We just returned from a weekend trip to Chicago for Art Chicago and dinner at a couple of favorite spots. I was on Intelligentsia's website on Thursday before I left to see if they had any tours scheduled of their roasting facility. There were no tours, however; they were opening their new shop at 55 Randolph Street on Friday, the day we were arriving. I was psyched. After a day of walking around the city, we decided to check out the new shop. It was all a buzz. We met Amber, who placed 3rd at USBC, working behind the counter and was training some of the new staff. Matt Riddle was there earlier. We met Doug Zell and told him that we were in for the weekend from NJ, where there is no place to get a decent cup of espresso, except at home. I get Kid O's organic delivered every other week. In fact he asked if I was getting it sooner than usual. I am getting it now on Wednesday instead of Thursday (it's shipped on Monday). Doug was very personable and great to talk to. The espresso was great. The shop was great. Their new logo is great - I picked up a t-shirt and a couple of coffee mugs with the new logo. The black cat logo is being replaced. If you're in Chicago, stop in. It's a great place with great coffee/espresso and great people.
Tim
