About three years ago, excitement began as plans emerged for Sparrow Coffee to open in a former Starbucks spot in downtown Clarendon Hills. Founded by Chris Chacko in 2012, Sparrow Coffee initially supplied custom roasts to upscale and Michelin-starred restaurants before launching its first café in Naperville in January 2018. The new Clarendon Hills outlet, located at 100 Park Ave., officially opened on October 21.
Chacko considered the location in 2023 upon learning that Starbucks would close. Having family in the area, he felt connected to the community’s warmth and kindness. ‘We aimed to offer a world-class coffee shop with outstanding food while respecting this community,’ Chacko commented. He believes that if people experience excellent products at reasonable prices, they’ll ‘taste the difference.’ Success, he noted, follows as customers tell family and friends. He hopes Sparrow will not only attract visitors from nearby areas but also boost local businesses.
The shop’s design offers various seating options and focuses on spaces where families can gather for conversations. Initially, Sparrow Coffee’s opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily. Chacko aims to eventually extend these hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., adjusting further based on community demand.
Over the coming weeks, Chacko plans to expand Sparrow’s menu, including more coffee and non-alcoholic beverages, lunch choices, and select items from accomplished chef friends. The path from inception to opening was lengthy, as Sparrow not only claimed the former Starbucks spot but also spaces once occupied by Little Creperie and State Farm Insurance.
Local resident Karen Deane expressed her satisfaction with the new café. ‘I’ve awaited Sparrow’s opening. More than coffee, I missed a local meeting spot. Sparrow fits perfectly,’ Deane noted. She appreciates the added seating compared to Starbucks, bringing a modern, sophisticated, and comfortable feel. Deane predicted strong success based on the observed crowds.
Another resident, Kristie Wester, eagerly anticipated Sparrow’s opening and was not disappointed on her first visit. ‘Finally being open is great, and well worth the wait,’ she said. The coffee impressed her, and her husband enjoyed the breakfast sandwiches. ‘This building enhances downtown and benefits our community.’
Village President Eric Tech voiced high hopes for Sparrow. He foresees it as not only a top coffee shop locally but also a regional draw in the Midwest. ‘Choosing Clarendon Hills is a boon for our town. It will support residents and attract visitors to our unique village,’ Tech remarked. He praised Sparrow’s commitment to the community and its forward-thinking investment.
Chuck Fieldman reports for Pioneer Press.
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