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The Goddess and Grocer: Bringing a Taste of Melbourne to Chicago

By Tom Barnas
3/11/2025

Seventeen years ago, Debbie Sharpe opened the first location of The Goddess and Grocer, introducing a bit of her Melbourne roots to the city. As a longtime resident of Wicker Park/Bucktown, she often longed for an Australian-style deli—somewhere to walk to for quality coffee, freshly prepared foods, vibrant salads, hearty sandwiches, and indulgent treats.

When a space became available on Damen Avenue, she seized the opportunity, and the neighborhood quickly embraced it. But Sharpe wasn’t one to stop there. She expanded to the Gold Coast and River North, bringing The Goddess to even more Chicagoans.

And when she relocated to the West Loop, another location soon followed in Fulton Market—where a daily coffee run now means a visit with The Goddess herself.

Grab some food at the new spot on St. Street.

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