Pulsing through and around 18th Street in Pilsen, there are now over a dozen independent, Latino-owned coffee stores.

The owner has infused much-needed new life into a former Pita Pit, with rare local pastries, cakes, sandwiches and coffees with house syrups.

More than three decades in the food business is no small feat. That’s why Sue and Al Pera, who led Cornerstone Coffeehouse in ...