A small-town coffee shop is spreading its roots.
Black Maple Coffee aims to open in Elmwood on Wednesday, April 22. Amanda Atchley, director of operations for Black Maple, said the business is “excited to join Elmwood community.”
“At the heart, we’re a small town where connections matter, and we are from this area too,” she said. “So, it’s just – it’s special to us to continue, you know, offering our services to small-town communities, and we hope to be able to integrate into it and be a part of it.”
The storefront – situated at 118 E. Main St. – will be the brand’s fifth location. The new spot is set to include multiple rental spaces with in-house catering options.
Here’s what to know about Black Maple Coffee:
‘A location that’s closer to home’
Emily Morton opened Black Maple Coffee’s original location in Canton in 2014. The Canton store later relocated to 750 S. 5th Ave. and is “our busiest shop,” Atchley said.
Along with this, the brand expanded to include three additional shops, situated at:
Initially, Atchley said Morton looked for land to build a drive-thru in Elmwood. Land and construction costs proved to be expensive, however, leading her to consider existing buildings.
The search ultimately led to 118 E. Main St. in Elmwood. The two-story storefront was formerly home to UBQ Barbecue & Steakhouse – which closed its doors in February 2025.
Atchley said some in the community were “super excited” to learn about the expansion.
“They already go to Farmington, so they’re pumped to have a location that’s closer to home,” she said.
Along with thoroughly cleaning the space, Atchley said work has included updating the flooring, repainting, replacing the awnings, ordering new signage and setting up the space to “look more and feel more like a Black Maple Coffee.”
Customers will find a coffee bar to their right, Atchley said, and a dining area with lounge seating to their left.
While no drive-through option is available, Atchley expects to offer a pick-up area for guests who call ahead or order online. Delivery is also available weekdays between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Once open, the Elmwood storefront plans to operate from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
‘Not just a coffee shop’
Customers can find a variety of drinks and dishes at Black Maple Coffee.
For drinks, the menu features coffee products, teas, blended beverages and more. Atchley said the shop’s blended drinks – made with or without coffee – is particularly popular.
Food is also available. The online menu lists soup, salads, sandwiches and sides, along with an assortment of baked goods. This includes dishes such as:
“I think that our food is getting a lot more popular,” Atchley said. “People are noticing like, ‘Oh, it’s not just a coffee shop.’”
Eventually, she said the brand may expand its café menu with options not available at its drive-throughs.
New storefront boasts rental spaces
Unlike its other locations, Black Maple Coffee is preparing to offer several rental spaces at its Elmwood storefront.
“The big change and difference with Elmwood for us is the expansive building,” Atchley said.
Upstairs, guests will find The Canopy; a 2,080-square-foot venue capable of seating 140 guests. An online description described the location as “the perfect setting for weddings and large celebrations.”
A smaller space, The Lounge, is capable of seating up to 40 guests, on the second floor, and on the first floor, The Maple Room can seat up to 25 people.
In-house catering will be available for all three spaces.
Hourly rates for each venue can be viewed at https://blackmaplecoffee.com/the-canopy and Atchley said free tours are available for the spaces.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Small-town cafe spreading its roots, opening Elmwood storefront
Reporting by Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
