A new coffee shop has opened its doors for students to relax, study and sample signature drinks. Leaves ‘N Bean’s Bradley location on Main Street opened on Jan. 11, but the local coffee shop originally opened in the mid-1980’s in Peoria Heights.
“We have seen Bradley students growing in popularity at our Peoria Heights location over the past several years,” said Leaves ‘N Beans owner James Cross. “We wanted to put a location that was closer and easier for the students to reach us, and so far our new location has been received very well from the Bradley area.”
Cross said with less than a week of Bradley being back in session they have seen promising support.
“The company has seen its ups and downs in the past 10 years, but we have turned it around in the last three years,” said Cross. “We love to make coffee and want to continue doing what we are passionate about, so we are hoping to see this support continue to grow.”
Leaves ‘N Beans provides its customers with a menu full of freshly roasted and ground coffee, as well as a breakfast and lunch menu. The coffee shop’s variety of food includes omelets, salads, paninis, sandwiches and much more. Leaves ‘N Beans also has a large beverage selection, including smoothies, tea, seasonal drinks and many different types of coffees.
“I used to go to the Peoria Heights location to study,” said junior international studies and political science major Maureen Rush. “The coffee here is really good and better than Starbucks.”
Leaves ‘N Beans has a friendly and relaxing atmosphere, with chalkboard painted walls and music playing in the background. The study room at the shop provides a quiet, yet welcoming area with wifi access for students to study throughout the day and evening.
“I do my homework here,” said Leaves ‘N Beans employee Kate Simmons. “I helped open the one in Morton two years ago, and it’s just such a chill and awesome atmosphere that I decided to work at the Bradley location.”
Senior public relations major Jessie Mayo said she used to go to the Peoria Heights location, but now that there is a Bradley location she has decided to work here.
“When I found out about the Bradley location opening I was stoked,” said Mayo. “I’m obsessed with coffee, and Leaves ‘N Beans is close to where I live so it’s a great place for me to study.”
Leaves ‘N Beans is the most experienced gourmet coffee supplier in the area and guarantees the lowest, most competitive prices, said Cross.
Leaves ‘N Beans currently carries more than 20 different traditional and decaffeinated gourmet coffees, including Organic and Fair Trade Organic, more than 50 different flavored and decaffeinated flavored gourmet coffees, more than 40 different loose-leaf teas and products offered by Torani, Monin, Big Train and Dr. Smoothie.
More information about Leaves ‘N Beans such as drink specials and hours of operation can be found on its website at www.lnbcoffee.com.
