City honors Kindred Coffee Roasters

WEST CHICAGO - Kindred Coffee Roasters, 148 W. Washington St. in downtown West Chicago, has won a 2018 Brilliance in Business Award from the city.

The business was started in July 2013 by Ryan Hammer, his sister Sarah Harms, and her husband Patrick Harms, as a small roast to order online retailer of specialty coffee, The three continued to dream of a day when Kindred could grow into something more, a full service coffee shop in their hometown of West Chicago.

In 2016, the trio began their search to find a location in the Downtown Historic District for Kindred to call home. By year's end, they had found a property, located at 148 W Washington St. The building was in rough shape, but they saw potential for it to be transformed into exactly what they were hoping for, a beautiful cafe and community space.

From the beginning, Kindred Coffee has exhibited an unwavering commitment to and appreciation for the community of West Chicago. By embracing the unique characteristics of the City's culture, Kindred Coffee has built not just a coffee shop but a place for residents to gather, exchange ideas, hold play-dates for their children, host First Friday art receptions, and build relationships.

The Brilliance in Business Awards program is a vehicle for the City to connect with its business community and aims to acknowledge the efforts businesses are making in reaching their goals and those of greater benefit to the community.