Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Stivers.
Greg, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Wife and I started a full-service coffee house in 1986. Roasting, flavoring, full service espresso bar, with selection of all the latest coffee and tea retail items were offered. Displayed and offered over 25 different coffees roasted daily as customers viewed.
Our beginnings in coffee started as we were blessed enough to travel and see the world. Falling in love with world famous cafes, such as Cafe Greco in Rome. Instantly, we knew. Before we opened our first location, we researched the industry for 18 months. Traveling to San Francisco and New York studying many cafes. However, only thing constant in life is change. Wife and I went separate ways after 6 years in the business. I remained in coffee business from the wholesale side, leaving retail behind. Currently, I am a significant player in the wholesale market. In addition, we are traveling baristas, full service coffee bar on wheels.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No is hasn’t been ice cream and cake. Transitioning from retail to wholesale has been a financial challenge. And also conducting business without my ex-wife, who was the creative and industrious mind of the business.
Stivers Coffee – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Custom roast, flavor, private label, portion packaging for any entity that sales coffee, e.g. restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, churches and office service. Coffee machinery are supplied to most accounts. Our traveling barista service includes farmers market, movie sets, and all kinds of celebrations. Our menu consists of hot and cold coffee drinks (espresso based and brewed). Cold drinks are served with coffee ice cubes. To complete the service, we also create all kinds of smoothie drinks. Coffee, all fruit, kale/spinach, tea and chai smoothies are available.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The longevity. Stayed in the business since 1985. Growing stronger as we speak.
Pricing:
- Lb of cofffee $15
- 1/2 lb $8
Contact Info:
- Address: 2215 S . Union Ave
Chicago, Il 60615 - Website: Stiverscoffeeinc.com
- Phone: 3126139551
- Email: stvrscoffee@gmail.com
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