Word around The Windy City is that Stumptown is opening up a shop here (see edit below). But hey, maybe it’s just the gossip blowing around (I know, I know, bad pun, my apologies). The roaster has already taken its home, Portland, by storm, plus nearby Seattle. And last fall, it infiltrated New York City through the high-end Ace Hotel. What’s next? Hopefully, somewhere in the Midwest?

Earlier this week at work, I had just emerged from the back room, carrying a load of clean dishes, when I spotted the distinctive bag of beans (their exclusive espresso blend, “Hairbender”) and a fancy schmancy jar of their Anniversary Blend. Obviously (they’re based in Portland), I excitedly went, “Ooh! Where did these come from? I wasn’t able to taste Hairbender when I went there!” My co-worker discreetly nudged me, did a head-jab towards two men sitting at the bar, and whispered, “They’re here. That’s the owner.”

And that’s when I did a double take. “Duane?!” I had to ask, just to make sure I heard her right. Apparently, he visits us when he’s in Chicago and bears gifts. He and another Stumptown employee chatted with the cafe owners for a few minutes while sipping our espresso (which wasn’t tasting so hot that day) and then took off. But the exchange got me wondering. The infamous Duane Sorenson was in our shop… was he possibly wooing us? He’d probably say that he doesn’t woo, he just gets what he wants.

But Stumptown in Chicago will definitely heat up the competition here even more. Can’t wait to see what happens.

Whoops, I forgot to add on my notes of their Anniversary Blend.

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