Frunchroom Collective: The New Cafe of Your Crunchy Dreams?

Frunchroom’s gnome mascot (owner’s son), and local designer prep for opening day. (Photo courtesy of Frunchroom Collective)

Imagine a coffee shop that doesn’t offer to-go cups; it’s almost unfathomable in our hurried, convenience-obsessed society. Yet, if Frunchroom Collective’s co-owner Ivy had her say, that’s exactly what she’d want for her new community space in Libertyville. Ivy and her brother, Stu, are creating a third space that invites people to make themselves at home, focusing on genuine connection and self-care.

Set to open this winter, Frunchroom Collective will offer the typical cafe experience: a comfy spot to work, catch up with a friend, or grab a pick-me-up. But Ivy and Stu are going beyond typical - they envision a community hub for meetups, wellness classes, private events and more.

I met Ivy through a mutual friend, and as soon as we chatted, I knew I had to see Frunchroom Collective in person.  Although the space was still under construction at the time of my visit, the opportunities for this unique cafe seem nearly endless! Check out my preview tour video below.

First of all, the space is massive: there is a large open area for seating, three reservable private rooms (a den, sports room and wellness studio), plus the “frunchroom”, which was still under construction during my visit. The frunchroom is intended to be a comfy, semi-private area for groups to gather. There are no doors, but it is tucked into its own nook of the cafe.

Secondly, Ivy and Stu are looking to partner with locals who can bring unique experiences to the space (i.e. yoga, meditation, creative writing, sound baths, etc.).

Frunchroom Collective summed up in three words: Coffee, Community, Well-being.

While Stu ultimately convinced Ivy that they should have to-go cups available, the duo hopes Frunchroom Collective will make you want to grab a mug of locally roasted coffee, kick back and stay awhile!

Learn more about this soon-to-open space in my Q&A with Ivy below, and stay tuned for the grand opening coming soon!

Tell us about you and your family. What inspired you to create this space?

We’re Ivy and Stu, a sister-brother duo building Frunchroom Collective as an extension of the home we grew up in Glenview, IL, in a house that was always open to friends and family.

Our parents created a space full of warmth, laughter, and connection, where Friday Night Dinners were a cherished tradition and friends became family. That same spirit is what we’re bringing to Libertyville: a welcoming spot to gather, connect, and stay awhile.  We recognized the need for a third space that people could come and be in community with one another, but also feel welcome without judgment and take a few moments to take care of themselves.  We will offer classes, such as yoga and meditation, but also opportunities for community events, as well as just a cozy spot to have an excellent cup of coffee and delicious nosh!

What is your mission with Frunchroom Collective? What is a "frunchroom", exactly?

Frunchroom is Chicago slang for "front room", which was the front room of our house growing up.  It is the space where people gather to socialize and connect.  Growing up, we thought everyone had a frunchroom!

Our mission is to create a frunchroom space for the community so people feel cozy, warm, and welcomed.  We added Collective since we aim to partner with local businesses and resources that share our same goal.

How are you incorporating local businesses and community members?

In the spirit of being a collective and elevating the community, we are aiming to partner with local businesses whenever possible.  From our outstanding coffee from Libertyville favorite, Tala Coffee Roasters, to the exquisite craftsmanship from BarnXO in Mundelein, there is no shortage of excellence around us.  We are also looking forward to showcasing different wellness practitioners as well as other small businesses that are looking to host events in our space.  The Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce has already been an incredible partner in helping foster new connections for us.

What types of wellness events can folks expect?

We are hoping to provide yoga, meditation, sound baths, and other more traditional experiences while also showcasing new and different experiences such as vision boarding, specialized movement, and breathing classes.  If you’re a wellness practitioner or are interested in teaching a class, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@frunchroomcollective.com!

When will you be open? What's the best way for people to stay updated?

We are hoping to have a soft opening the weekend of January 17th, with a grand opening scheduled at the beginning of February.  Keep an eye on all of our social media platforms, website, and local mailboxes!