Big Shoulders Coffee

Big Shoulders Coffee is a Chicago roaster and café operator built around the philosophy of fresh-roasted, no-nonsense artisan coffee. Founder Tim Coonan began his career as a chef at prestigious restaurants in New York, France, Italy, and Chicago, developing a passion for coffee that dates to origin trips and roasting studies in the 1980s. What started as a hobby roasting beans in his garage grew into what the company describes as Chicago's premier roasting facility, complemented by multiple café locations. Co-founder Patricia Coonan brings more than 30 years of hospitality and restaurant experience to the business. Beans are sourced from farmers with whom the company has developed ongoing relationships, and roasting is intended to preserve the integrity and character of each coffee. The cafés are positioned as welcoming "third places" separate from home and work, with an emphasis on hospitality, service, and a community atmosphere that reflects the company's Chicago roots.