After months of reconnaissance visits to sites on Chicago’s Near North Side, Tony Healy and Liz Bahr of Midlothian decided that what the southwest suburbs really needed was a nice coffee shop.
Already partners in marriage, they decided to become partners in business about a year ago and and opened Espresso Love in Tinley Park. The pair explained what makes their establishment so different.
“I know everyone’s first name when they walk in the door. They seem to like that,” Healy said.
“It’s more of a community type of business–that’s what we wanted,” Bahr added.
The decor is cozy yet bright, with delicately painted pink walls accented by green chairs and green glass-topped tables. The shop has seating for 20.
At Espresso Love, the beans from which Healy and Bahr brew sit in the shop no more than seven days after they arrive. Those beans come to the coffee shop no more than 24 hours after roasting, the owners assert.
“When people come in, they know it’s the freshest possible,” Healy said.
Recent coffee crises in South America have resulted in rising prices.
“We’ve gone through three coffee increases but haven’t increased our prices yet. However we are considering a slight increase,” Healy said. Prices are holding steady at 75 cents for a small cup (12 ounces), while a cafe mocha or iced cappucino is priced up to $2.80 a cup. Coffee is sold by the pound for about $9 to $10, Healy said, with flavors that include espresso and French roast.
Espresso Love also offers free entertainment every Saturday evening.
“The Dashboard Saints usually comes in about once a month to perform. We are constantly looking for new talent to perform on Saturdays,” Healy said.
Expresso Love
167th Street and 80th Avenue, Tinley Park
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Phone:708-532-8040.
