Algonquin coffee shop creates community gathering space

When Daily Projects Café and Eatery first opened along the Randall Road corridor in Algonquin earlier this year, its owners hoped it would become a hot spot for community members.

They envisioned a state-of-the-art coffee shop with classic and trendy drinks, and loyal customers coming in to make it their go-to place for a caffeine fix.

Since June it has become that and so much more for the community, and for owners Sang Hong and Kevin Rhee.

Daily Projects, which has a roomy seating area, has since morphed into a community gathering place not only for friends getting together, but now also large groups and community organizations looking for a bigger place to gather.

"It was an organic growth. As our doors opened and people started to see the space they really saw what was available to them," Hong said. "We've been trying to take advantage of that and make sure we have events that fill the community's need."

Daily Projects itself is about 3,000 square feet, and 2,300 square feet of that is the seating and gathering area, Hong said.

While the seats in the business are often filled with couples and trios chatting over coffee, or with individuals plugging their electronic devices into the business' multiple outlets, there are other times when the larger tables or even entire seating area is filled with groups.

For example, every Monday people gather in that space to do yoga and sip teas at Daily Projects as they unwind after work.

This month, Daily Projects is celebrating National Novel Writing month, Hong said. The cafe is working with an area library to host local authors and writing seminars inside of the business.

Recently, the cafe hosted an event similar to speed dating, where singles get to know one another. However, in this event it was a speed oil event, and people got to try different essential oils at different tables throughout the business.

There have also been wellness demonstrations, Bible study groups, school study sessions and more, Hong said.

"We have stay-at-home moms that come in as a big group too to meet here," he said.

"We're really seeing what the potential is for the space," Hong said.

"If it's the right time, then we open it up to the community. They really seem to enjoy the privacy we are able to give them."

The biggest hurdle with the new business has been getting new customers to come in and try it, Hong said. However, creating a community gathering space in the seating area has helped.

Those who do come in, he said, have become fans, and return for the food and drinks, as well as fun promotions.

For example, couples that come in on Sundays get their pictures on Daily Project's Facebook page for "Sundates." There also have been Cubs gear days and more.

"Getting people to try it has been the most difficult part of our journey, but we've seen growth week after week," he said.

As the business has grown, so has its menu. Daily Projects now also has smoothies, sandwiches, toasts, non-coffee drinks and even more baked goods, Hong said.

He says the menu is constantly evolving, and he believes that the community atmosphere will be as well.

He welcomes new groups to use his space for events. Hong is hoping to reach out to local police and fire departments, and let them know they are welcome in the community-minded business.

Daily Projects is at 124 S. Randall Road. For information call (224) 209-8636.