There is Something Brewing in the Metro East

As coffee continues to be one of America's favorite indulgences, franchises like Starbucks almost appear dominating. A local business, The Coffee House Company, is taking a stand amidst the chains.

The Coffee House Company prides itself on the fact that it still hand-grinds its coffee. And for this local coffee shop, business is booming. The Coffee House Company, located in O' Fallon, Illinois, caters to customers from various areas in the Metro East.

Melissa Walsh, owner of The Coffee House Company, said that her love of coffee and sweets sparked her interest to start her own business. Walsh, who was born in Belleville, left her 28-year career as a nurse to fulfill her dream of opening a place where people can get away from their fast-paced lives.

The idea of the Coffee House Company came when Walsh and her husband, Mike, were on a date four years ago. They were looking for a place they could go after seeing a movie. "We wondered why there wasn't a place to go, somewhere, because we didn't want the evening to end," Walsh said.

That night was a springboard into her now thriving business, which serves the Metro East area. Like many entrepreneurs, Walsh knew that she had to blend her personality into the business. "If The Coffee House Company was going to work, I knew I had to put all of 'me' in it," Walsh said.

Even though this is the first business that Walsh has opened, she is no stranger to coffee and desserts. In high school her job at home, along with being the middle child of eight, was cooking. It was during that time in high school that Walsh developed a love for creating desserts. That love has flooded The Coffee House Company with French pastries and other fine desserts, as well as specialty hot coffee drinks and cold coffee beverages.

Walsh's favorite desserts are the Chocolate Truffle, Double Chocolate Cheesecake, and Vanilla Napolian. Along with those desserts, Walsh enjoys drinking a dark brewed, roasted cup of coffee or a cold coffee drink called, 'The Mocha Frappe.'

Among other frozen treats, Walsh expects to expand their children's menu. Starting next month, The Coffee House Company will add ice cream sundaes, waffle cones, and other frozen treats for the young ones. In addition to frozen treats, the business looks forward to expanding its food menu in the fall.

The Coffee House Company's motto - "Kick Back" - is evident in its relaxed atmosphere. It offers an environment where its customers can expect live music every Friday or Saturday evening.

According to Walsh, The Coffee House Company is meeting its goal of reaching its span of various age groups. "Earlier in the day, our customers tend to be older in age, but the later it gets in the evening, the younger our customers are," Walsh said. She attributes younger people coming in the evening to them using The Coffee House Company for a date, a 'pre-date,' or a place to go after hanging out with friends.

Walsh understands the need for positive places for people to go and she enjoys them coming to her business to have a good time.
For more information about The Coffee House Company, its live music schedule, and the treats it has to offer, call Melissa Walsh at 624-6343.