A perfect change of pace
After spending nearly 30 years assisting in her family business, Kathy Godlewski felt it was time to stop and smell the coffee.
Godlewski and longtime friend Terry Malone recently launched Beva Caffe Coffee Bar in Fox Lake. The Italian-themed establishment is at 7221 State Park Road.
"There's nothing like this in Fox Lake," Godlewski said.
For nearly three decades, Godlewski was in the corporate world, where she assisted in running the family business, a printing machinery manufacturer in Wood Dale. Several years ago when her father died, she and her mother decided to sell the 15-employee operation.
The Godlewskis moved to Fox Lake where they found there weren't a lot of choices for a good cup of coffee.
Godlewski teamed up to start the venture with Malone, who was the first employee she hired at the machinery business.
"We serve fantastic-tasting coffee," Godlewski said. Working with Fratelli Coffee Co. in Franklin Park, the Fox Lake store features its own Beva Blend. "It's roasted just to our liking," Godlewski added.
An array of espresso-based beverages is sold at the coffee house, which features a drive through.
The two most popular drinks are the Caffe Caramella, a caramel latte, and the Mocha Cafe. They sell for $2.95 for a small and $3.45 for medium.
Along with good coffee at affordable prices, Godlewski said another goal in opening the business was to create an inviting atmosphere. "It warms my heart when I see people come in, kick back in one of the comfortable chairs with a book. That's exactly what I had in mind," she said.
Godlewski's family pictures hang from one of the walls at the shop. Italian towns where her grandparents grew up are also displayed. "It's like coming into our living room," she added.
Godlewski's mother is usually at the shop offering customers a taste of the authentic Italian pastry they serve. "We have the best cannoli," Godlewski said. Free Wi-Fi is also offered.
The owners are experimenting with their hours. The cafe is open from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more, call (847) 973-9424.
Art show: Woodworking artist John Pasch will be at Arts in Action Gallery, 10 W. Main St., Lake Zurich, from 1 to 4 p.m. today.
Pasch started in woodworking 15 years ago with a goal to make toys to challenge his children's imagination. He now focuses on woodworking designs that are more functional decorative wooden boxes or baskets.
Cleaning cars: America's Car Wash in Wheeling will celebrate its 25th birthday in December. A week-long celebration is planned beginning Saturday. Husband-and-wife team Al and Mae Schwab started the business at 400 N. Milwaukee Ave. 25 years ago.