Three years ago, anticipation grew when plans surfaced about Sparrow Coffee opening in the former Starbucks location in downtown Clarendon Hills. Founded by Chris Chacko in 2012, Sparrow Coffee built a reputation by supplying custom roasts to high-end and Michelin-starred restaurants. The first Sparrow café opened in Naperville in January 2018, with the new Clarendon Hills café at 100 Park Ave. opening on Wednesday, October 21.
Chacko noted that the idea to open in Clarendon Hills started in 2023 after learning about the Starbucks closure. “My family lives in the area, and the community’s warmth influenced our decision,” he stated. “We aimed to introduce a world-class coffee shop with exceptional food, respecting this community.”
Explaining his decision, Chacko believes that providing exceptional products at reasonable prices encourages people to share their experiences. “Success follows when they recommend us to family and friends,” Chacko explained. “We hope to attract people from neighboring areas, benefiting other local businesses.”
Chacko instructed his architect to design the café to accommodate a high volume, offering diverse seating for families and gatherings. Initially, Sparrow’s business hours are 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., seven days a week. However, Chacko intends to extend hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to meet community needs.
The café plans to expand its menu to include various coffee and non-alcoholic beverages, lunch options, and occasional dishes from chef friends. The new location not only occupies the former Starbucks but also the spaces of Little Creperie and State Farm Insurance.
Local resident Karen Deane expressed excitement about the opening, saying, “I missed having a local meeting spot.” She appreciates the additional seating compared to the previous Starbucks. “The space feels modern, sophisticated, and comfortable,” she remarked. “Based on the crowds, it seems poised for success.”
Another resident, Kristie Wester, echoed these sentiments after trying Sparrow. “The wait was worth it,” she said. “The coffee is excellent, and the breakfast sandwiches are commendable. It will benefit the downtown area and our community.”
Village President Eric Tech shared optimism, believing Sparrow will be a leading coffee destination in the Midwest. “Selecting Clarendon Hills for this location benefits our town, inviting visitors to explore our unique village,” he commented. “Their investment here shows our community’s commitment to progress.”
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press freelance reporter.