Since opening in January 2019, Jacques Shalo has been working diligently to carve out a unique identity for his independent coffee roastery in the congested and competitive coffee shop business. Shalo credits Kribi’s Coffee’s “four tenets,” freshness, method, sourcing, and giving back, for the brand’s quick rise in popularity.
Kribi Coffee is located at 7324 W. Madison St., Forest Park and just opened their second location. The opening of Kribi’s sibling spot was plagued by delays, but eager coffee lovers and commuters can grab a cup of joe from Kribi’s location at Cross Function Flexible Workspace at the Boulevard Arcade building, 1033 South Blvd., from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Regular hours begin Oct. 30.
“My wife Cindy was driving down South Boulevard and saw the available café space,” said Shalo, owner of Kribi Coffee. “It seemed like a great opportunity for Kribi to enter Oak Park.”
Kribi’s Cross Function location is open to the public and capitalizes on all the recognizable design elements popularized at the Forest Park location. The colorful palette, conceptualized by Shalo’s son Jeremiah, is a nod to the family’s Cameroonian heritage and regional coffee sourcing practices.
Kribi Coffee sources historically significant coffees with a growing focus on beans grown in Cameroon. In addition to sourcing with regional specificity in mind, Kribi is dedicated to putting more money into the pockets of coffee farmers by disrupting the value chain of coffee and donates to local social justice causes.
Kribi Coffee now has an app available for download via the Apple Store and Google Play. The easy-to-use app allows users to earn rewards, skip the line and order air roasted coffee for nationwide delivery from the palm of their hand.
Use the app or visit in person to order up a seasonal Pumpkin Patch Latte or any of Kribi’s specialty creations. La Catrina features indulgent Omanhene chocolate chai, a dash of spicy cayenne and a sprinkle of warming cinnamon. Everyday delights include classic cappuccinos, lattes, blended drinks and teas.
Looking for more than a beverage? Kribi has got you covered. Menu items include French-style croissants sourced from Bonjour Bakery located in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood as well as an array of breakfast sandwiches and grab and go lunch items. Expect a selection of dishes like Southwestern veggie bowls, chicken wraps, and vegan quinoa salads. Shalo’s devotion to his coffee revolution has made an indelible mark on Forest Park — the Oak Park location was worth the wait. We can’t wait to see the next phase of Kribi’s evolution
Kribi Coffee
7234 W. Madison, Forest Park
1033 South Blvd., Oak Park
708-689-8896
www.kribicoffee.com
