• Posted: May 3, 2024
• Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, La Malinche Coffee & Tea House, Muse Coffee Studio, Simply E&C

 

For numerous reasons, small and family-owned businesses face hurdles that chain businesses simply do not. Without the support of a parent company, owners often shoulder all the responsibilities themselves, and things can pile up. Powering Chicago member contractor Simply E&C has partnered with the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation’s Support West program to provide electrical repairs and safety upgrades for small businesses in need. 

“Just over four years ago and back in 2020, we launched the Support West program, and the Support West program is about supporting small businesses on the West side,” Sara Guderyahn, Executive Director of the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, said.

Muse Coffee Studio and La Malinche Coffee & Tea House recently received a helping hand from Simply E&C as part of the Support West program.

“Muse Coffee Studio came to be just from my appreciation for coffee shops and the stories that they tell. Some of the unforeseen challenges that I’ve come across since opening, as has been being able to keep up with the growth,” George Davis Jr., Owner of Muse Coffee Studio, said.

La Malinche Coffee & Tea House faced similar challenges to Muse Coffee Studio as they have continued to grow. 

“When we started in this business, the electricity was enough. The whole installation was good. The business has been growing since we started here, and right now, we need help,” Hector Aguirre, Owner of La Malinche Coffee & Tea House, said.

Electrical Contractor Simply E&C and its IBEW Local 134 electricians were in the perfect position to help these coffee shops. 

“Number one is definitely the safety factor. When we first went to the location yesterday, you could notice all the appliances in the back, like the heater, the waffle maker, all the stuff was being plugged into one outlet with a bunch of extensions… You can notice it was melted a bit,” Malina Ventura, IBEW Local 134 electrical trainee, said. 

Not only did Simply E&C make critical safety upgrades for Muse and La Malinche, but they also worked to improve the aesthetic so customers who came for the coffee stayed because they were comfortable. 

“This place is such a nice esthetic. So when you have like nice light fixtures, even the motion sensing stuff really adds to the whole vibe of the place,” Ventura said. 

By installing individual circuits for safety and upgrading lighting to improve the look and feel of the shops, the owners hope Simply E&C and Support West will empower them to attract more customers and increase their revenue.

“Partnering with the Blackhawks put more of a spotlight on disenfranchised areas, businesses that need help. And like ourselves, we’re a business that needed help. So, I love this, and it’s a great marquee to show this and shine a light on these businesses,” said Simply E&C Operation Manager Calvin Payne.

West side business owners like the owner of La Malinche Coffee & Tea House, Hector Aguirre, are grateful for the spotlight. 

“It’s a huge thing for not just the businesses, but for the community, for the city, for all of us,” said Aguirre. 

Simply E&C is a family-owned electrical contracting company that strives to create a safe atmosphere for its customers by providing efficient updates and excellent customer service. Learn more about their residential and commercial work, electrical testing and inspection, and solar installation and maintenance by visiting their website.