July is Disability Pride Month, honoring the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by recognizing the legacy, leadership, and lived experiences of the disability community.
Each year, Chicago celebrates with an annual Disability Pride Parade through the heart of downtown. This year’s parade, which falls on Saturday, July 23, will continue the mission of breaking down the shame and stigma around living with a disability.
Disability-owned businesses in Chicago
Chicago is also home to a vibrant community of disability-owned businesses, including neighborhood restaurants, acclaimed bakeries, a walking tour company, and beyond. By weaving accessibility and inclusion into everyday life, these Chicago small business owners are creating spaces for belonging throughout the city.
“I think Disability Pride Month reminds people with disabilities that they aren’t alone — that they are seen, heard, and valued. It’s a reminder that our contributions to society matter and deserve to be recognized,” says Kerrie Breuer, owner of Fat Peach Bakery.
Discover disability-owned businesses in Chicago that are worth celebrating this July and all year long.
Fat Peach Bakery
In the Bridgeport neighborhood, Fat Peach Bakery has quickly become known for their stunning laminated pastries. The menu is filled with creative options that have neighbors lining up, like the strawberry milk croissant or the chilaquiles danish.
The popular spot is helmed by locals David Castillo and Kerrie Breuer. For Kerrie, who has a limb difference, being a small business owner with a disability means providing more visibility, representation, and inspiration for others.
“Growing up, I didn’t really see any role models with limb differences like mine, so I had to figure a lot of things out on my own,” she says. “It’s important to see that people like us can participate in a wide variety of experiences — even if it means doing things a little differently.”
Fat Peach is open Thursday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (or sold out).
necessary & sufficient coffee
An award-winning cafe and coffee shop, necessary & sufficient coffee pairs sustainability with thoughtful design to establish a welcoming space for genuine connection.
“My disabilities inform our business values — inclusion, flexibility, transparency, courage, and kindness,” says owner Kate Vrijmoet.
The Logan Squareoutpost features a walk-up window and outdoor seating, while the South Loop location boasts indoor seating and regular pop-up events, such as live music and silent reading nights.
Beyond the customer experience, Kate says that being a disability-owned business also informs her leadership style and helps inform the employee environment. “It enables me to build a business where more people can bring their interests, skills, curiosity, and grit to the table without having to hide essential parts of themselves,” she says.
Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar
Bringing the heart of Puerto Rico to the Uptown neighborhood, Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar delivers bold flavors with a warm, homey twist.
Proudly representing the LGBTQ+ community, chef Eric Roldan turned a humble ghost kitchen into a neighborhood staple, fueled by deep love for his community and family’s recipes.
Influenced by generations of island cooking, the food pays homage to Puerto Rican culinary heritage while adding a subtle contemporary touch. Pair your meal with rum cocktails mixed with fresh fruit and tropical goodness.
That same island vibe extends into the design, thanks to leaf-shaped chairs, a cozy bar illuminated with purple lighting, and greenery woven through overhead fixtures. Whether you’re dining in or ordering takeout, the menu leaves a lasting impression — comforting, generous, and full of pride.
Justice of the Pies
Nestled in Avalon Park, Justice of the Pies is where buttery crusts meet a strong sense of purpose on Chicago’s South Side. Founded by Maya-Camille Broussard, a James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Baker, this Black-owned bakery serves up sweet and savory creations with a side of social justice.
Maya-Camille, who’s hard of hearing, designed her shop to be fully accessible, with accommodations that include a front ramp, Braille signage, and low counters and coat hooks — because good pie should be for everybody. Beyond baking, Justice of the Pies organizes I KNEAD LOVE Workshops for kids from underserved communities to learn how to cook and dream big in the kitchen.
As for the pies, tarts, and quiches, they’re everything they should be with a tender crust and deeply satisfying filling. Prefer a handheld treat? The cookies, cobbler, and pudding hold their own. But the real magic is in the bakery’s mission to champion compassion, inclusion, and the power of food to bring people together.
Walking Tours By Doorways Of Chicago
Led by architectural photographer Ronnie Frey, Walking Tours By Doorways Of Chicagoguides visitors through historic Chicago neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Old Town, and beyond.
Ronnie’s sharp eye reveals hidden details in façades, entryways, and public spaces — stories and surprises you might miss on a casual city stroll. His tours mix well‑known buildings with off‑the‑beaten‑path gems, all brought to life through his engaging storytelling and passion.
Choose from a variety of public and private tour options, covering topics like art deco gems, historic homes and cottages, Craftsman bungalows, and deep dives into special historic sites like Graceland Cemetery. You can also check out Ronnie’s photography gallery in the Fine Arts Building.
Explore more: Check out Ronnie’s favorite accessible Chicago attractions for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.
Nia Restaurant
Nia is an intimate restaurant and wine bar where Mediterranean flavors and award-winning vino flow with ease. Named for founder and general manager Antonia “Nia” Asimis, this West Loop favorite carries her name — and her passion for food, drink, and hospitality.
The softly lit dining room casts a diffused glow over mosaic tiles and deep wood accents that echo the Mediterranean coast. Outside, the patio hums with conversation and clinking glasses as the sun dips behind the skyline. Locals know Nia as a go-to for happy hour, date nights, and unforgettable dining experiences.
As a minority-owned, family-run business, Nia brings more than good food to the table — it’s a neighborhood gem built around community. From the multi-course chef’s tasting menu to the delectable tapas, each plate is an invitation to explore, share, and come back for more.
