DeKALB – Less than two months ago, Common Grounds owner Jeff Foster was notified that the building he had been operating out of at 150 E. Lincoln Highway was condemned.
After receiving donations of more than $6,000, Foster now will open his new coffee shop and bookstore at 131 E. Lincoln Highway, the former site of Thai Pavilion, at 8 a.m. Monday, pending a successful city inspection.
Progress will be slow in the beginning. Foster had to let go of three of his staff, leaving only himself and a cook. The menu also will focus on the store’s local roasted organic coffee, tea and cocoa for a time. However, a portion of Common Grounds book sales still will go to fight human trafficking.
“I love that you can be a member of this community, buy a coffee or a book and make an impact on oppressed people,” Foster said. “That’s who we are.”
Before the Common Grounds property was condemned, Foster said he began the process to renew his lease at 150 E. Lincoln Highway, but after explaining the situation to owner Billy Valos, he was able to move forward with leasing the new property.
The $6,000 raised primarily went toward plumbing and electrical work. Hillcrest Covenant Church helped install the flooring. Foster had hoped to open Friday, but there were a few setbacks in the remodeling.
Although there are a number of new amenities and plenty of additional space, the Common Grounds awning from the old location still will hang over the front door.
In addition to the donors, Foster said he was grateful for all of the volunteers who helped to bring the space back to life. Volunteers included Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee College students, Boy Scouts, the Barb Wire Betties roller derby team and a Safe Passage board member.
With the additional kitchen space, Foster said he will have more drink equipment to make orders more quickly.
A grand opening is slated for the two-year anniversary of Common Grounds on July 9. Foster hopes to have the full breakfast menu available by then.
“We’re not rushing [the breakfast menu],” Foster said. “It needs to be done right.”