The oil press cafe
Cafe & Professional Hub
Where coffee meets the world.
The oil press cafe
Cafe & Professional Hub
Where coffee meets the world.
Meet the Founder - Ariel M. Barr
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My name Ariel, commonly referred to as Ari.
This vision was not created out of convenience. It was formed through experience, responsibility, and a deep awareness of how environments shape people; how they think, how they function, and how they move forward in life.
I have always been someone who operates in structure.
As a graduate student in public policy and administration, my training has centered around systems, strategy, and understanding how environments influence outcomes. At the same time, my work in administration has consistently placed me in roles where clarity, organization, and execution are not optional, they are necessary. But beyond academics and professional work, my foundation has been shaped within the church. Serving in ministry has required me to function in environments where excellence, stewardship, and responsibility matter deeply. Whether coordinating, organizing, or supporting leadership, I have learned how to manage space, people, and systems in a way that allows things to flow properly. And within that space, I found something that stayed with me: I love environments that are intentional. I love spaces that are set up correctly; where things make sense, where people can function, and where purpose is not disrupted by chaos.
Even within the café environment at church, I found myself drawn not just to the coffee itself, but to what the space represented. It was a place where people gathered, reset, prepared, and connected. It was structured, yet welcoming. Functional, yet meaningful. And I realized that what I was drawn to wasn’t just coffee. It was the environment around it.
My love for coffee grew alongside my love for administration. Coffee became more than a drink—it became a tool, a rhythm, a part of how people sit down, focus, think, and engage with what’s in front of them. And yet, outside of those intentional environments, I kept seeing the same problem: People are trying to build their lives in spaces that do not support them. Students studying late with nowhere consistent to go. Professionals working nontraditional hours without structure. Creatives trying to produce in environments filled with distraction. People with vision, but no environment to sustain it. And for me, that isn't something to ignore. The Oil Press Cafe & Professional Hub is my response.
This space is built at the intersection of faith, function, and forward movement.
It is faith-driven in its foundation—rooted in purpose, alignment, and intentional creation.
It is functional in its design—structured to actually support productivity and clarity.
And it is forward-focused—built for people who are becoming, building, and pressing toward something greater.
My Vision
My vision is to introduce something to Chicago that fills a real and present gap. A space that serves the night worker. A space that supports the student. A space that respects the creative process. A space where professionals can function without friction. But more than that, a space where people feel covered—where they can think clearly, work intentionally, and move forward without constant disruption.
This is not just about opening a café.
It is about building an environment that allows people to operate at their best.
Because when the environment is right, people don’t just work better; they live better.
And this is only the beginning.
About The Oil Press Cafe
Who We Are
The Oil Press Cafe & Professional Hub is a cafe and professional, for-profit workspace seeking to open it's doors in 2027. 2026 is dedicated to fundraising, establishing partnerships, and securing investors. The mission of The Oil Press is to provide a unique coffee experience that immerses the customer's taste buds into a riveting caffeine world while merging the Chicagoland community and professionals into a world that catering to them. Click below to find out more about our vision and background, and also meet the visionary behind this establishment, Ariel M. Barr.
The Concept
The Oil Press Cafe & Professional Hub is a late-night coffee and workspace environment designed for individuals who need more than a traditional café experience.
It is a space built with intention; where productivity, clarity, and community are supported through structure, design, and purpose.
This is not simply a place to sit. It is a place to function.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name “The Oil Press” carries both practical and spiritual significance.
In biblical times, shepherds would pour oil over the heads of their sheep. This was not symbolic alone; it served a real purpose. The oil created a barrier that prevented worms, insects, and harmful bacteria from entering through the sheep’s nose and reaching the brain. Without this protection, the sheep could become disoriented, distressed, and even destroyed from the inside out. The oil served as both protection and covering.
In the same way, anointing represents being set apart, covered, and protected by God. It signifies that we are His; that we are not left exposed to everything that tries to disrupt us, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. This concept translates directly into the heart of The Oil Press Cafe.
We are living in a time where the mind is constantly under pressure—distraction, noise, confusion, and overstimulation are everywhere. People are trying to think, create, and build while being mentally overwhelmed and environmentally unsupported. The Oil Press is designed as a response to that reality. It is a space that represents covering.
A place where individuals can step into an environment that protects their focus, supports their clarity, and allows them to function without constant interference.
Just as oil protected the sheep from what could enter and harm them, this space is designed to protect what enters your environment—what you hear, what you engage, and how you are able to think. This is not just about coffee.
It is about creating a space where your mind is supported, your work is protected, and your purpose is not disrupted.
The Experience
From the moment you enter, the environment is designed to bring a sense of calm, clarity, and structure.
The atmosphere is intentional; quiet where it needs to be, collaborative where it can be, and always aligned with productivity.
Guests can move throughout the space based on their needs:
- A main café area for light conversation and casual work
- A quiet workspace for deep, uninterrupted focus
- Private, soundproof rooms for meetings, planning, and creative sessions
This flexibility allows individuals to work in a way that matches their rhythm—without having to leave the environment.
The Problem We Address
Many existing spaces are not built for how people actually function.
Late-night workers are underserved.
Students lack consistent environments for focused study.
Creatives are often forced to choose between isolation or distraction.
And beyond that, very few spaces are created with intentionality around mental clarity and environmental impact.
The result is a constant struggle to maintain focus, direction, and productivity.
Our Solution
The Oil Press Cafe & Professional Hub provides a structured, purpose-driven alternative.
- Late-night hours that align with real schedules
- Environments designed for focus and clarity
- Soundproof rooms for privacy and execution
- A rotating menu that keeps the experience engaging
- A space that values both productivity and presence
Every detail is intentional. Every element serves a purpose.
monthly MEMBERSHIPS
"The Casual Brew" - $75
"The Productivity Boost" - $250
"The Creative Space" - $120
- 3 hours per week of soundproof room use (reservation required)
- 1 coffee per day (choice of drip coffee, Americano, or espresso-based drinks)
- 1 pastry per week (choose from daily selections)
- 2 free meals per month
- 5% off additional purchases for the month(This package is ideal for customers who need occasional quiet time and a daily coffee fix.)
"The Creative Space" - $120
"The Productivity Boost" - $250
"The Creative Space" - $120
- 6 hours per week of soundproof room use (reservation required)
- 1 coffee per day (any coffee on the menu, including lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, etc.)
- 1 pastry per visit (choose from daily offerings)
- 1 free meal per week
- 1 free specialty drink per week
- 10% off additional purchases for the month
(This is great for regulars who want re
- 6 hours per week of soundproof room use (reservation required)
- 1 coffee per day (any coffee on the menu, including lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, etc.)
- 1 pastry per visit (choose from daily offerings)
- 1 free meal per week
- 1 free specialty drink per week
- 10% off additional purchases for the month
(This is great for regulars who want reliable access to soundproof rooms and enjoy a daily coffee/pastry with some extra perks.)
"The Productivity Boost" - $250
"The Productivity Boost" - $250
"The Productivity Boost" - $250
- 10 hours per week of soundproof room use (reservation required)
- 2 coffees per day (any coffee or specialty drinks, including iced options and matcha)
- 1 pastry per visit (choose from daily offerings or premium items)
- 1 free snack, smoothie, or juice per week
- 7 free meals per month
- 15% off additional purchases for the month
- Priority bo
- 10 hours per week of soundproof room use (reservation required)
- 2 coffees per day (any coffee or specialty drinks, including iced options and matcha)
- 1 pastry per visit (choose from daily offerings or premium items)
- 1 free snack, smoothie, or juice per week
- 7 free meals per month
- 15% off additional purchases for the month
- Priority booking for soundproof rooms
- Exclusive access to members-only events (e.g., tastings, workshops, or networking events) (This premium option is for serious customers who need frequent access to quiet spaces, drinks, and extra perks.)
Coming Soon!
A Collaborative Community Hub
Support Outreach & Social Impact Programs
A Collaborative Community Hub
We are not just a café or meeting space—we are a vibrant community hub! Partnering with us means joining a dynamic environment that brings people together to exchange ideas, build relationships, and inspire innovation. Whether you're hosting a workshop, event, or simply need a place to work, we offer a space that nurtures creativity and collaboration.
Volunteer & Outreach
Support Outreach & Social Impact Programs
A Collaborative Community Hub
Schools and organizations looking for volunteer or internship placements can connect with us. We offer a range of opportunities for students and community members to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Your students will not only earn valuable hours but also learn essential skills in customer service, event planning, and professional development. It's a win-win for both the volunteers and the community!
Support Outreach & Social Impact Programs
Support Outreach & Social Impact Programs
Support Outreach & Social Impact Programs
We’re deeply committed to giving back to the community through our outreach programs, and we invite partners to join in these efforts. Whether it’s organizing charitable events, providing resources to underserved populations, or supporting mental health initiatives, your partnership helps extend our reach. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on those in need, bringing positive change to our community.
Meeting & Event Space for Professionals
Art Exhibitions, Live Performances & Cultural Events
Support Outreach & Social Impact Programs
Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or organization, our space is designed to accommodate a wide range of professional needs. We offer versatile meeting rooms, coworking spaces, and event areas for group discussions, team-building exercises, networking events, and corporate meetings. Our high-speed internet, projectors, and comfortable seating ensure that your meetings are both productive and enjoyable.
Host Workshops & Classes for Community Education
Art Exhibitions, Live Performances & Cultural Events
Art Exhibitions, Live Performances & Cultural Events
Share your expertise with the community by hosting workshops or educational classes. Whether you're an artist, a business consultant, a personal development coach, or a wellness expert, we offer a space for you to teach, inspire, and engage with community members. Your partnership can help expand knowledge and offer valuable resources to those looking to grow personally or professionally.
Art Exhibitions, Live Performances & Cultural Events
Art Exhibitions, Live Performances & Cultural Events
Art Exhibitions, Live Performances & Cultural Events
If you’re an artist, musician, or part of a cultural group, our venue can host art exhibitions, live performances, or cultural events to showcase local talent and bring people together. Partnering with us in this way offers an opportunity for local artists to gain visibility, while enriching the cultural fabric of our community.
Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
Donate to Support Community Growth and Development
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, and we invite partners who share this value. From supporting local minority-owned businesses to hosting diversity training or inclusive community events, your partnership helps us build a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs
Donate to Support Community Growth and Development
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs
Businesses looking to fulfill their corporate social responsibility goals can partner with us to support local initiatives. Whether it's through financial contributions, donating goods and services, or organizing team volunteer days, your company can make a positive difference while fostering a sense of purpose within your team. Together, we can create meaningful social impact.
Donate to Support Community Growth and Development
Donate to Support Community Growth and Development
Donate to Support Community Growth and Development
While we are a for-profit business, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting local initiatives. We offer the opportunity for individuals and businesses to make donations to help fund our community programs and outreach efforts. Your contribution helps us provide resources, offer volunteer opportunities, and host educational workshops and events that benefit everyone in our community. Whether it’s funding local talent, supporting charity events, or enhancing our programs for students and professionals, your donation helps us make a meaningful difference. Your support strengthens our mission to create a thriving and connected community while still offering a place for people to gather, collaborate, and grow.