In January of 2006, Sean and Debra Miller moved to Ottawa, Illinois after falling in love with the local coffee shop, Jeremiah Joe Coffee. "Knitters, musicians, writers and business people were all hanging out in this space and I knew that I wanted to be one of them. I daydreamed about being greeted by name from behind the counter like Norm from Cheers," recalls Debra who had moved three times in three years and was searching for a place to stay for awhile.

Within a couple months, Debra and Sean had become not only coffee shop regulars but good friends with the owners of Jeremiah Joe Coffee, DeWayne and Pamela Cronkright, who were deeply rooted in the community which was so attractive to the Millers. Instantly, the four connected. The friendship that formed around their love of coffee and community soon began to sprout roots to one of the Millers' long-time dreams-to enter the coffee business. The guys began researching and experimenting on Sean's small home air-roaster while the gals dreamed up quirky names for their experimental blends.

In January of 2007, the four friends traveled to Florida to take an intense roasting class to learn more about the scientific, environmental and economic aspects of the roasting side of coffee. They learned to slurp loudly during cupping and practiced the art of describing tastes using the universal vocabulary of official coffee snobs. They also connected with importers and other specialists in the field who continued to educate and encourage them after they returned home and began to build a foundation under their dreams.

By spring, the Millers had purchased a 15-kilo Ambex roaster which found a temporary home in their garage. In May of 2007, the Millers' long-time dream became a reality with the creation of the LaSalle Street Coffee Roasting Co. A few months after the company's birth, the roaster relocated from the Millers' garage into a beautiful downtown space in the same building as Jeremiah Joe Coffee at 807 LaSalle Street in Ottawa. In the early days, the garage and the local farmers' market were laboratory, classroom and studio as the Millers began their quest to provide great coffee to a great community. So they have joined the company of computer geeks, great bands, and talented artists who started something big in their garage. LaSalle Street Coffee Roasting Co. is a product of friendship that you can actually taste and smell.

02/01/2008 - Bill Walsh Auto recently switched all his dealerships from Starbucks to LaSalle Street Coffee. Our logo is featured prominently on his website and service cars.

12/26/2007 - Brew the best coffee ever - The Times.