Nine local coffee shops are coming together for the Rockford Coffee Crawl this Friday and Saturday, celebrating community and the unique character of each café.
The event nearly doubles the number of participating shops from last fall, when five businesses took part. For many local owners, it’s about more than just selling coffee — it’s about building connections.
“You can look at it like it’s just a cup of coffee,” said Meghan Thayer, owner of Rosie’s Coffee Co. “Or you can see the community side of it, where every shop brings something unique and deeply personal.”
The Rockford Coffee Crawl encourages customers to visit each participating location, discover new favorites, and support small businesses during a time when many are facing economic challenges.
Matt Simpson, partner at Wired Cafe, said the collaboration is what makes the event special. “The best part is that each of us has our own style, but now we get to do it together,” he said.
Alex Thayer, who co-owns Rosie’s Coffee Co. in Pecatonica with his wife Meghan, added that small, independent shops offer something more meaningful than big chains. “You really get more from a locally-owned business,” he said.
“You see a lot of love,” Simpson added. “We care about each other and we care about this community. It’s great to be doing this together again.”
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