‘Cozy, warm and welcomed’: New Libertyville coffee shop concept aims for comfort and building connections

In Chicago, the slang word “frunchroom” refers to a living room or space where you relax and spend time with friends and family.

That’s the idea behind Frunchroom Collective, a new coffee shop preparing to open at 1193 S. Milwaukee Ave., in the Greentree Plaza shopping center in Libertyville.

“We were looking for a space that could house our concept that had a welcoming community feel and it feels like more and more people are talking about needing a third space — or some place to connect and come together,” explained owner Ivy Sukenik.

“Our mission is to create a frunchroom space for the community so people feel cozy, warm and welcomed,” she added.

Sukenik, a Highland park resident and principal at Sunset Ridge School in Northfield, described her first venture into this type of business as a “true labor of love.”

Frunchroom will be serving coffee from Tala Coffee Roasters, which has been roasting in Libertyville for about eight years. Tala opened a cafe about two years ago next door to that operation at 834 Liberty Drive. Tala also has locations in Highwood and Winnetka.

Joanna Tong, a Tala partner, said it was evident quickly after meeting with Sukenik and her brother, Stu, that they shared a passion for hospitality and connection and was a good fit with Tala's values.

“I think the fact that we have a history of successfully operating cafes that go beyond quality and really bring people together, that spoke to them,” she said.

Sukenik said coffee is the cornerstone of Frunchroom Collective but only one part of the mission.

“We are excited to open a third space for the community to gather in a beautiful setting with great coffee, hospitality and well-being,” she said.

The build out continues but is nearing a soft opening later this month. The 4,000-square-foot space will feature two rooms — one sports themed and the other like a den — available for rent or for daily customers when not in use.

“We'll have couches and comfortable seating,” said Emily Draper, coffee and hospitality manager. “We want it to be like a hangout.”

Besides daily brew, offerings will include specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, muffins, cookies and breakfast burritos.

A book club, yoga and other classes to support people’s well-being are planned.

Sukenik said “collective” was made part of the name as the plan is to partner with local businesses and resources sharing the same goal.

One large mural featuring a woodsy theme has been painted on one wall and another is planned for the entry wall backing a custom-made bookshelf. An age-old length of wood hangs above the serving area and the same builder is crafting tables for the space.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and stay awhile,” Draper said.