Up Next: @ Loves Local x AndySunflower Café in Beverly

Who is ready for top-notch, creative, and delicious beverages? If that’s you, mark those calendars for Wednesday, February 24th, because @ Loves Local is picking up the tab at AndySunflower Café in Beverly from 9am – 11am.

AndySunflower Café first began with owner, Andrea O. Robinson (Andy), treating her guests with freshly brewed coffees and teas. This snowballed into a custom coffee cart to now two AndySunflower Café locations! We can see why it has been so successful. Andy exudes sunshine and her innovative beverages seem to do the same (all we’re going to say is that there is one called the Bananas Foster latte and it sounds like pure magic!). We’re anxious for you to learn more about Andy and AndySunflower Café, so we won’t keep you too long in this introduction…

Photo by Digital Segami

@properties: What inspired you to open AndySunflower Café? 

Andrea O. Robinson: I was inspired to open AndySunflower Café by my family.  I really love making coffee and was making it at home for years so opening my coffee shop was inevitable.  Whenever someone visited my home for whatever reason they likely sipped on a fresh brewed cup of coffee that included me weighting and grinding my beans. They would always walk away with a delicious specialty latte or fresh iced tea.  I still have my home café and I am always playing in coffee.

Owner Andy O. Robinson Photo by Sylus Green

@properties: You started as a mobile coffee cart in Chicago and we saw that you still have the option to bring the café to wherever your clients may be! We love that what started your business is still functioning today! How did you come up with this concept? 

AR: Yes, my business initially started out with my custom-made coffee cart.  I popped up at markets, corporate and private events.  My sister and brother were the first to hire me to serve after dinner lattes to their guests.  When I decided to open my business, I wanted to connect with lots of people all over the city.  I discussed the idea with my carpenter and he then drafted a design concept and the rest is history.  Now I have two locations, however my coffee cart will always be ready for pop-up opportunities.

Photo by Digital Segami

@properties: We noticed on your menu that you have some trademarked drinks like the Bananas Foster Latte, Maple Magic, and Rosey Rose. They sound equally fun and delicious. How to come up with some innovative and unique flavors? 

AR: My trademark lattes are indeed fun all which include amazing flavors.  I literally dream about some of favors and imagine them in a cup.  When this happens, I will play with them at home and have others taste them.  As of late I go into one of my shops after closing and play around when I am introducing something new on my menu.  So, at any given time you can drive pass and see me in the window trying new.  This coming season, my staff will be in on the fun and adding some fun drinks to the menu.  Stay tuned.

@properties: Again, your menu is filled with incredible drinks! In your opinion, what is a must-try? 

AR: I always try to entice people with my personal year-round favorite drink, the iced hazelnut cinnamon latte.  Our customers have been going wild over the Bananas Foster or The Bourbon lattes.  And when in season during the summer months, hands down the Peach Mint iced tea is a true hit.

The Details:

When ordering, mention @properties or @ Loves Local on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 9am – 11am CT for a 12-oz beverage of your choice on the @ tab*. AndySunflower is located at 9920 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643 (Inside Ain’t She Sweet Café). Be sure to follow @atproperties and @andysunflowercafe on Instagram and use our hashtag #AtLovesLocal when you visit.

Limit one beverage per person. When visiting, please respect others by wearing a mask and maintaining a 6-foot distance.