Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Photographer / Darren Boston
Biggby Coffee, a veteran-owned and locally operated coffee shop, just celebrated its one-year anniversary on July 4. Owner Jim Goetz, franchise owner for six years, embraces this regional company that focuses on community.
“I like to be the community coffee shop rather than the coffee shop that’s pressed upon the community,” says Goetz, noting that the franchise is keen on local marketing and spending a certain percentage of sales within the community itself.
Biggby Coffee sells a wide variety of beverages, including hot, iced and frozen lattes (available caffeine free). They also have smoothies, hot chocolates and teas.
“Pretty much if you drink it, we serve it,” Goetz says.
Beans are always fresh, and ingredients are always quality (e.g., no powder in frozen drinks). In addition, they offer daily deals. For example, on Monday customers get a free shot of espresso. On Tuesday, they get a large for the price of a small. On Wednesday, it’s a dollar off a bagel sandwich. On Thursday, customers enjoy a dollar off of a food item when they purchase a drink. Registering for a Biggby’s card is well worth it as lots of deals are tied to it. For instance, after your 12th drink, you get a 13th one for free. If you buy nine pounds of coffee, you get the tenth pound for free. And you score a free drink on your birthday. (FYI: The featured drink for August is Mint Chip Freeze. Starting in September, they’ll offer the traditional fall beverages such as Pumpkin Spice and Carmel Apple Cider.)
Biggby’s also gives a 10 percent discount to military members, firefighters, police officers, teachers and healthcare professionals. And everyone gets 1 free refill on the same day.
“If you stop in for a coffee at 8 a.m., you can come back by at 2 p.m. and we’ll refill your cup of brew at no charge,” Goetz says.
Firefighters and police officers in uniform can grab a free cup anytime they stop in.
“It’s our way of thanking them for their service and also honoring the community,” Goetz adds.
The company hosts Lego night on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. where they set out tins of Legos and invite folks to tap into their creativity. During that time, they offer free kids’ drinks such as cups of whipped cream, flavored (magic) milk and miniature hot chocolates. In addition, on the second Tuesday of each month, they partner with the Plainfield Library for story time/arts & crafts. Plus, at least once a month they do various raffles on their Facebook page where they give away a mug and some free drink cards. To enter, simply “like” the Biggby Coffee page, comment and share the post.
Goetz keeps a milk crate for customers to drop off nonperishable food items that are donated to various food banks.
“Any customer who brings in two items of food gets a free card for their next visit,” he says.
It’s just one way Goetz gives back to the people of Plainfield.
“I really like the coffee industry, but that’s mostly because my customers share with me a small window into their day,” Goetz says.
Sometimes that’s in the form of a first date or a business meeting. Often it’s a relaxed conversation amongst friends. Either way, Goetz appreciates the connections he makes with the community. He also appreciates his wife Jennifer, whom he credits for “doing everything else” while he keeps the business going. That “everything else” revolves mostly around raising their three daughters: Skylar (6), Penelope (4) and Lilia (2).
“I couldn’t do this without my family’s support,” Goetz says. “I’m so grateful.”
To register for a Biggby Coffee’s card and access deals and freebies, visit biggby.com. Or if you’d like to join the Biggby team, apply online. Biggby Coffee is located at 302 Dan Jones Rd in Plainfield, or you can give them a call at 317-203-5362.
