Hit the rails with a cup to go

Coffee at the Prospect Heights train station!

Submitted by Anthony J. Kalina, City of Prospect Heights

Mayor Nick Helmer of Prospect Heights, along with the Ultra Foods grocery store staff, have opened the coffee, pastry, fruit and soft drink shop at the city owned Metra Station. Store general manager Gerry Schroeder and his staff gathered at the train station located at Wolf and Camp MacDonald roads recently to cater to the Metra riders heading to downtown Chicago or traveling north toward Libertyville. The shop will be open weekday mornings Monday through Friday.

"For some time to come we will provide quality roasted bean (ground in house) coffee for only $1," said Schroeder.

As the sweet aroma of the fresh roasted beans permeated the air, a load of homemade doughnuts hit the counter. A line of "we gotta go" commuters were served quickly and efficiently by Ellen Cavalieri and bakery chef Lucy Walat.

"As in most cases, our city staff makes things happen and they do not wait for something to happen. Economic development is a critical team function and they do that very well," said Helmer. "In this case, Steve Skiber, director of Building and Zoning and Alderman Luis Mendez of the 1st Ward, brought a good idea to life."

• Submit 'Your News' at dailyherald.com/share.