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Peoria Times
BUSINESS
June 3, 2021
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Union Coffee Co. is mayor’s restaurant of the month BY ALEX GALLAGHER Peoria Times Staff Writer
Union Coffee Co. was named Peoria’s restaurant of the month by Mayor Cathy Carlat for its locally grown coffee and dedication to the community. “To be recognized and appreciated is just amazing, especially after going through such a crazy year,” said Kristin Frey, who owns Union Coffee Co. with her husband, Brian. The shop is known for its locally grown and fresh brewed coffee. However, it’s what the Freys do with their revenue that sets them apart — and caught Carlat’s attention. “When she saw that we are involved in the community, work directly with local farmers for our coffee beans, work with local artists, and that we do things honestly and ethically, I think that was what appealed to her,” Frey said. “We do fundraisers with the school, and we offer discounts of 10% to teachers, students and first responders.” Unfortunately, one effort hit a little too close to home. Two years ago, a teacher at Oakwood Elementary School, where their daughters attended, was hospitalized with flesh-eating bacteria. Saddened to hear of the
see them give back, and have a place to have a positive interaction and feel special,” Frey said. Looking to the summer, there are two drinks that Union Coffee Co. expects to drive its sales. “Our espresso is super popular because Jon does an amazing job with dialing in each specific single origin,” Frey said about the roaster, Jon Runion. “We always make sure we have something chocolatey or nutty on our espresso. Our lattes are also popular, especially during the summer. That’s Union Coffee Co. was recently named the restaurant of the month by Peoria Mayor Cathy typically people’s go-to Carlat. Carlat, third from left, congratulates barista Aaron Hough, left, roaster Jon Runion, drink.” After nearly four years, and owners Kristin and Brian Frey. (Photo courtesy of the city of Peoria) Union Coffee Co. has grown beyond its doors. It sells its roasts at teacher’s prognosis, the Freys helped back,” Frey said. Brian, a Chandler native, and Kris- a wholesale price to neighboring cofwith the medical bills. Since then, Union Coffee Co. has tin, who hails from Scottsdale, had fee shops, like Enroute Coffee and Tea extended help to an elementary school good intentions from the start. Notic- House in Goodyear. band so it could travel and to Centen- ing the lack of coffee shops in Peo“What I’ve learned in this industry is nial High School student council’s ria, the couple thought it would be a that you typically are all in it togethworthwhile investment and a nice ad- er,” Frey said. “For us, it’s important to fundraising efforts. be with people who also want to serve “We’ve been blessed with resources, dition in 2017. and we figured we owe some of them “We wanted a way to meet people, great coffee and do it well.”
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