We’re grateful to partner with a business like Cup of Wonder, where coffee is about so much more than what’s in the cup. Sarah and Dan have created a space rooted in connection, kindness, and a genuine love for their community, and we’re proud to be a small part of it.

In a world that increasingly happens behind a screen, third places give us a reason to slow down, step outside, and simply be around other people. Marissa makes the case for coffee shops as modern third places — spaces where small, everyday interactions can foster connection, community, and a sense of belonging.

“When you get to do what you love, you feel lucky”, shares Ryan, co-founder of Pilates + Coffee, a prominent fixture of the Roscoe village community. Founders Ryan and Jacquelyn fused their talents and passion for their community into a studio and café that has spent nearly a decade bringing people together through movement and coffee.

Mom shapes us in ways that are both visible and invisible, leaving traces of herself in our lives. There is evidence of her in our gestures, traditions, and the way we love the people around us. This year, in honor of Mother’s Day, we asked our staff to reflect on those little inheritances from Mom and share why they are special. 

Last Thursday, Highwood hosted our first-ever craft night! Designed for a good time, the doors opened at 6:30, and fellow crafters were welcome to join us to start, continue, or even finish their crafts from home in the presence of fellow creatives. 

“Every neighborhood needs a cafe,” Josh shares right off the bat. As the manager of Calibre Coffee, Josh along with the rest of the team, have made it a point to build something larger than just a location to grab a coffee to go. They saw the opportunity to create a place of connection for the surrounding community and have established themselves and continued to build on that very idea.