When it comes to coffee shops, Theo's Java Club is a real pioneer.
"It's very friendly," said customer Lili Torre.
You'll find it at 213 17th Street in Rock Island. Theo's is open Monday through Saturday.
Place phone orders at: (309) 788-5282.
"People always feel at home here," said customer Collin O'Connor.
Anchoring Rock Island's District for 21 years, their secret to success is simple.
"We wanted to have a good product," said owner Theo Grevas. "We learned about good products when we opened up."
While other coffee shops come and go, Theo's Java Club just keeps brewing. The eclectic, funky vibe scores points with customers.
"Just really warm and inviting," Torre said. "Simple but familiar."
Theo's blends California-roasted beans with friendly service.
Each carefully crafted drink is a real masterpiece.
"We're your treat," said David Rotz, a Theo's barista. "We're your break. This is where you come to have a good time."
When it comes to coffee, that hands-on work makes a difference.
That preparation and pride dates back to 1993.
"I hear a lot of people come in and say, 'This is great that you're here. We're glad that you've been here for so long,'" Grevas said.
Hard to believe, but Theo's is now older than many of its customers. But that longevity says a lot about its success.
Owner Theo Grevas must have coffee flowing through his veins.
"Look at how beautiful this was," he said, gesturing to a vintage photo of downtown Rock Island.
His relatives ran a Rock Island eatery for a half-century.
"I think about what they did all those years," he said.
While styles and tastes changed, they didn't forget about the customer.
"When you come in here, you feel like a friend," said customer Rob Dillie. "You're part of the family."
The decor is a blend of classic and kitsch. There's coffee and conversation in this retro building.
"My first time in here, I remember going up to the walls and looking at what they had on display," said O'Connor. "Just to see what it was about."
It's a landmark with a legacy that's still evolving.
"It turns out to always be a great day because of the new experiences and stories we hear," Grevas concluded.
Lots of stories and sips at Theo's Java Club in Rock Island.