Happy Bean Blog Page

If you have ever been to Happy Bean Café and Coffee Shop before, you have probably run into Abella before. Abella moved to Chicago almost 2 years ago, after leaving the city where she was born and raised, Colmar, France. Abella made the hardest decision in her life to move away from what she was used to, to study Biomedical Science at the University of Illinois- Chicago. While trying to help pay for schooling, she has been working with us at Happy Bean Café and Coffee Shop.

“It has been really difficult leaving my friends and family back home” Abella said, “but, I have had so much fun exploring the city of Chicago and made so many lifelong friends here at Happy Bean Café and Coffee Shop.”

Abella spent her first five months here learning the English language and trying to adapt to the culture that is present in the United States. After living in Chicago for nearly 6 months, Abella decided to apply for a job at Happy Bean. Abella walked into the café with the friendliest mannerisms and the brightest smile any of us have ever seen, and she seemed to be able to connect with everybody in such a unique and special way.

Two days later, Abella got the phone call that she was accepted for the Barista position and she could come in to pick up her apron later that day. Abella has been working here at Happy Bean ever since and has become very close to her coworkers and our frequent customers that like to come and visit us. Every summer she goes back to visit her friends and family living in Colmar.

Within 2 months, Abella was nominated and received the golden pin, which recognizes the barista we believe works above and beyond their expectations. We are so happy to have Abella as a part of our family.   

When walking into a brand new coffee shop, the first thing people think is “what am I going to order?” We are here to help you find that out!

1. Know your preference

• Do you usually go for drinks that are sweeter, drinks with a bold flavor to it?

• Would you prefer something with a salty flavor to go with your sweet drink?

• With coffee, there are 2 main types of coffee beans, Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known to have a slightly acidic and smooth taste. Robusta has a strong and bitter taste

 

     2. If you really crave the coffee flavor, avoid dark roast coffees, rarely do they deliver the delicate and unique coffee flavor

 

    3. Determine how much caffeine you would like to consume

• This will really help you narrow down your choices

• What is the task you are doing while enjoying your beverage? (working, relaxing and reading a book, studying, getting together with friends)

 

    4. If you still have 0 idea which direction to go, a good drink to go with is a latte

• A latte gives you a nice shot of espresso, but the cream and the foam helps calm that down from being too strong

 

     5. Our baristas are always here to help!

• Sometimes it is hard to choose what you drink of choice will be when there are so many different options. Our baristas will help you find your perfect drink, just tell them if you have a sweet tooth or are just craving coffee.

• All of our bakery items go great with any drink you get, no need to worry!

 

We hope you come and visit us very soon and we are so excited to assist you!

Are you single and feeling a little lonely after this Valentine’s Day? Come visit us on Saturday February 27th for our first annual Speed Dating event! Each person wanting to participate can sign up on our website or call our coffee shop to put your name on the guest list. This event is completely free to all of those who would like to join us.  Due to the limited capacity we are following, there will be heated tents available outside containing tables.

Covid 19 Safety Precautions

Because of the pandemic that is taking place, we will be taking many safety precautions. Each table will be placed 6 feet apart and will have safety shields in between each person. Hand sanitizer will be put at each table for your convenience. Masks are required temperatures will be taken prior to entering.

How speed dating works

Each guest will have 15 minutes to talk to each person and enjoy a coffee with their conversation! We will have a list of conversation starters available for each guest in case you are feeling a little stuck! If you would like to request more time with a certain individual, be sure to ask them during the speed dating process and you can take more time to get to know them when the event is done taking place.

 Each guest will receive a complimentary journal, pen, and frosted heart shape cookie for joining us! We hope to see you soon!!