An Open Letter to the Community


El Gato Negro has been a familiar spot in the community around Irving Park for over two decades. Started in 1985, it is a rarity: A small business which has survived. But its survival has not only been due to those working in the business, but also in the mutual support of the business and the surrounding community and customers. Both locals and visitors to the Chicago neighborhood bar have always found a friendly face and a welcoming atmosphere, as the numerous articles that have been written about this thriving Latino-owned pub have attested. Local activities, fundraisers, and socially-conscious activities have been constantly supported by the business, its employees, and its many, many loyal customers.

One of the principles we assume in this country is that each of us is protected from being harmed by the opinions, prejudice or whims of others. We are each free to think and say what we want and live our lives as long as we do not harm or interfere with others' lives. And if this freedom is violated, as it sometimes may be, because life is not perfect, we are justified and supported in speaking up and getting protection from this violation of our rights. What we are not told, however, is that if someone decides that they simply don't like what you say or think, and that person or persons has more resources than you do, you can be destroyed economically.

In the past few years, El Gato Negro has become a target for people who simply do not "like" it, it's customers, or anyone associated with it. The motivation to rid the neighborhood of "undesirable types" or to make the land available to more profitable tenants is not something the average American would ever tolerate if he or she were aware of such abuse and harassment. But make no mistake about it, it is possible to simply make it impossible for an individual to survive a constant, neverending onslaught of abuse and economic hardship.

The promise of simply being able to work hard and make a living, after spending decades of effort, can be denied if your attacker has enough time, money, and emotional energy. Because of this, the owner of El Gato Negro has decided simply to give up. The cost in time and energy and years of financial hardship on the family has taken one more victim in the form of another small business being pushed down. Perhaps the next tenants of El Gato Negro will be more the kind of people our detractors feel comfortable with.

The management of El Gato Negro would like to very, very sincerely thank our community supporters and patrons and our other many friends throughout the years for their support. It is time to say goodbye.


-- El Gato Negro Management, Employees and Patrons