Photos courtesy of Arrowroot Coffee

 

Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Springfield’s downtown business community is set to welcome a new addition later this year to a familiar space. Arrowroot Coffee Lounge, a specialty coffee cafe. is set to open later this year in the former location of Recycled Records at 625 E. Adams St. The venture is the latest step in the evolution of Arrowroot Coffee, founded by Jacob Dinardo nearly six years ago.

“I started Arrowroot as an online-order coffee roaster, and from there, I moved into selling at the farmers’ market,” Dinardo said. “That evolved into a mobile coffee trailer where I expanded my menu, and now, opening a brick-and-mortar cafe feels like the next logical step.”

The process is currently in the permitting and design phase, with architectural drawings submitted to the city. Dinardo hopes to begin construction soon, with a target opening date in August.

A Natural Fit for Downtown

For Dinardo, setting up shop downtown is more than just a business decision—it’s personal.

“Downtown has always had a bit of magic for me, especially the Old Capitol Farmers’ Market,” he explained. “I loved seeing the sense of community there, and I want to create a similar atmosphere in my coffee lounge. The former Recycled Records space was an influential part of my experience in Springfield, so having my cafe there means a lot.”

What to Expect from the Coffee Lounge

Arrowroot Coffee Lounge will serve an expanded version of the drinks already available from Dinardo’s mobile trailer, including specialty lattes, espresso drinks, and other cafe fare. While the initial focus will be on coffee and baked goods such as muffins and bagels, Dinardo has plans to expand the menu over time and eventually add sandwiches and additional lunch options.

“I want to bring the same attention to sourcing ingredients for our food that I do with our coffee,” he said. “We’ll have some interesting flavor combinations to keep things unique.”

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability has always been a key part of Arrowroot’s mission. Dinardo roasts all his coffee beans using a fully electric roaster, which will move into the new facility.

“When I got into coffee roasting, I saw a focus on sustainability in sourcing, but not necessarily in the roasting process,” he said. “Most coffee is gas-roasted, but I chose to go fully electric. Right now, I carbon-offset all the electricity I use, and I purchase solar credits with the new facility.”

With the new lounge, Dinardo plans to join a community solar program, ensuring both roasting and brewing of coffee are powered entirely by solar energy.

The Challenges of a Historic Space

Transforming the former Recycled Records building into a coffee lounge comes with unique challenges, but Dinardo sees it as an opportunity.

“It’s basically a blank slate, a big open space,” he said. “That’s actually been a blessing in disguise because it allows me to shape it exactly how I want.”

Fortunately, Dinardo said he hasn’t run into any major structural or environmental issues that sometimes plague older buildings. “Working with an architect has been really helpful,” he added. “We’re making sure the space is up to modern standards while maintaining its historic character.”

Where to Find Arrowroot Coffee Now

While waiting for the lounge to open, coffee lovers can still get Arrowroot Coffee through multiple outlets. Customers can order online at arrowrootcoffee.com, or find it at locations like Harvest Market, The Keep Store downtown, Bun Gourmet, and Mockingbird Bakery in Rochester. It is also available at the Old Capitol Farmers’ Market.

For Dinardo, the vision goes beyond just serving great coffee—he hopes Arrowroot Coffee Lounge becomes a community gathering place.

“I want it to be somewhere people can meet up with friends and family and feel connected to our city,” he said.

With renovation on the horizon and an opening planned for late summer, Springfield coffee enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to.

 

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