Local coffee in Rockford, Illinois

An on-the-go coffee company has been in the news a lot recently when stories of unionizing became making headlines and, dare I say, becoming coffee shop talk. There have been claims that the coffee giant closed locations where baristas were vocal about interest in forming a union, some saying employees were fired because of it. On one of the biggest business days for the company, workers at 100 locations went on strike causing some big headaches.

#RedCupDay is a big deal in Illinois and across the country. On the average Red Cup Day, coffee lovers wait in long lines to get the annual "special edition" cup. Personally, I don't get it. I don't even own a single red coffee cup. I could understand if there were only 1,000 cups released worldwide but the number of those cups sold worldwide is astounding, so why is it such a big deal?

Did Any Illinois Stores Partake In This Strike?

Yes, five locations in Illinois.

Rockford (N. Perryville Rd)
Cary (NW Highway)
Elmhurst (N. York Rd)
Chicago (N. Ridge Ave., W Arimtage Ave.)

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Want to read a great suggestion that will help you avoid ridiculous lines for a valueless cup? How about popping by a local coffee joint? Some of the best in Illinois are in Rockford. These spots are locally owned and operated with dedication, passion, and love.

I have a suggestion for these spots specifically. As an alternative to the red cup campaign, how about coming out with an annual cup, mug, or whatever, to celebrate and support a charity? Might I suggest one that affects us all? St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be my recommendation. The organization's support for childhood disease and cancer goes beyond what you can imagine. They also freely share their research and protocols around the world to help all ages.

These spots may not all have a drive-thru but I've been to all but one of these places and it took me the same or less amount of time to park and walk inside. Give it a try sometime, you won't be disappointed.