Hinsdale is set to join Glencoe, Winnetka, Lake Forest and Glenview as locations for a cafe/restaurant first opened in 2018 by a Glencoe couple in their home town.
Lou and Julie Rubin own and operate Hometown Coffee & Juice, which they hope will open by the end of the year inside the Hinsdale train station at 25 E. Hinsdale Ave. The space has been vacant since Casa Margarita closed in May 2025.
Village President Greg Hart said it’s exciting to have Hometown coming to Hinsdale.
“They have built a strong reputation for quality and for creating community gathering places, which makes them an excellent fit for our village,” he said.
Hart said Hometown also helps fill an unmet niche downtown by adding a high-quality, fast-casual option that complements existing restaurants and broadens the choices available to residents and visitors.
“The Brush Hill Train Station is a unique and prominent location, and we believe Hometown will bring great energy to that space, while fitting well with the character of the station and surrounding downtown,” he said. “This is another positive step that further elevates Hinsdale’s brand as one of the premier suburban destinations for dining and local business.”
Lou Rubin said Hinsdale wasn’t a difficult choice for another Hometown location.
“We love Hinsdale,” he said. “It’s a beautiful town with a strong sense of community and a vibrancy that feels very aligned with who we are.
“In each of our locations, we’ve gravitated toward being near the Metra, where there’s a natural rhythm of daily life and connection. Being located within the actual station in Hinsdale made the opportunity especially exciting. It allows us to be part of people’s everyday routines in a really meaningful way.”
Rubin said customers coming to the Hinsdale Hometown can expect “an all-day, everyday cafe offering great coffee, real food, and genuine hospitality.”
“It’s a place where you can bring your entire family and everyone will find something they love. We’re known for our friendly, welcoming vibe and inviting spaces. We like to think of it as a place where people come to experience community.”
Rubin said a full renovation of the space will be done in preparation for the opening of Hometown, which he expects will seat 50 people inside and another 40 outside under a new pergola and patio.
He said the new Hinsdale location will offer the same menu, and have a similar layout, as the other four cafes.
“But every location is thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of the community it serves,” he added. “Hinsdale will be unique in that we plan to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, whereas our other locations currently close at 5 p.m. We’re also planning to have a liquor license and are excited to introduce offerings that complement our extended hours.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
