Colectivo Coffee Opens In Downtown Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston's newest coffee shop opened Friday at the corner of Church Street and Sherman Avenue. Colectivo Coffee, a Milwaukee-based chain with 20 locations, is now open daily in the 716 Church St. storefront last occupied by a shuttered Radio Shack.

Since applying for a use permit nearly a year ago, Colectivo has hired artists, architects and designers to renovate the interior, restoring the space's original ceiling height and storefront windows, which now can be opened. The 2,600-square-foot space includes handmade tables, with custom art and wall finishes.

“We love returning the character into old buildings while making them uniquely ours,” Colectivo owner Scott Schwebel said. “This corner put us in the heart of the action in Evanston, with easy access for Northwestern students.”

The Evanston location is Colectivo's fourth in Illinois and first outside of Chicago. Other locations include Logan Square, Lincoln Park and Andersonville. The company plans to open a Wicker Park location in 2019.

The cafe will serve its brand of coffee, cold brew on tap, Letterbox teas and Troubadour bakery items. Breakfast food will be served all day, along with "signature sandwiches made on slow-made bread." Colectivo also plans to serve its Colectivo Keg Co. house beers.

The operation employs more than 25 staff members, according to the company. It is open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Read more: Colectivo Coffee Chooses Church Street Corner For Evanston Cafe

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