ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Founders of a shopping center in Rock Island and local officials broke ground on a mall's newest addition Monday.
Reverend Darryl and Kim Thompson of the House of Fire Ministries church in Rock Island are opening Wholly Grinds Coffee House in the Embassy Square Shopping Mall on 11th Street.
"Holy grinds has really become our vision of advancing community," said Rev. Kim Thompson. "We really want it to be a place that's wholesome and welcoming to our community."
The reverends opened two other businesses and their church in the same shopping center over the last decade.
Local community leaders said they are excited for the shop to open and the economic developments invested in the community.
"Making a commitment and investment in the city of Rock Island, helping small businesses get started is quite a commitment and we appreciate that," said Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms.
"I can't wait for them to be open," Rock Island 3rd Ward Alderwoman Judith Gilbert said. "I love their menu that they're proposing. It's my kind of place. It's healthy offerings."
Construction will begin Wednesday, Nov. 17. The coffee shop is expected to open in 2022.