After 13 years, Hansa Coffee Roasters in Libertyville moving on
For 13 years, big red letters spelling “COFFEE” on a bright white background have left no doubt what was being roasted and served in an old downtown Libertyville building across from the Metra station.
Hansa Coffee Roasters was among the first in town to offer a variety of custom brews, a place to hang out and watch the world — or in this case, trains — go by, strike up a conversation, meet friends or just relax.
However, the business’ lease isn't being renewed. So, for two hours Sunday evening, about 100 loyal patrons gathered to share memories and have a final cup.
By Monday morning, the quirky interior space, fronted by three garage doors reminiscent of the former electrical contracting business once housed there, was pretty well cleared.
“We created a lot of relationships over the years,” said owner and founder Kevin Kane.
“I call it the “Cheers” effect,” he added, alluding to the 1980s sitcom whose catchy theme song was “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”
“Coffee shops create and change communities,” Kane maintains.
Hansa customers could consistently count on being greeted with a good word and genuine smile.
“We know we had good coffee. The other phase of the business is customer service,” Kane said.
The roasting part of the operation was relocated several weeks ago. Hansa continues to operate a retail outlet in Lake Bluff, and online ordering is still available.
Libertyville was a “coffee desert” when Hansa opened along Milwaukee Avenue in October 2013, according to Kane. Now he and his wife, Janet, are looking for a new location in town but don’t want to announce anything until a deal is struck.
“I've been here for 26 years. I've been here longer than any other place I've ever been,” Kane said. “So my intention is to stay here and open up a cafe here.”
“When we find the right space, we’ll know.”
Hansa is named after the Hanseatic League, a northern European trading network that began in the 12th century.
More than ships and trade routes, the league was built on relationships, trust and the idea that more could be accomplished working together than alone, according to Hansa’s website.
With that in mind, Hansa worked with producers, importers and partners to secure quality coffee from families and cooperatives around the world. That, and artisan pastries made from scratch, made Hansa a go-to for many customers.
“It’s not the space, it’s the people who work here,” Kane said. “Whatever space we’re in, we’ll bring the same coffee (and the) same level of customer service. That’s what they’re looking for.”
mzawislak@dailyherald.com