Dollop Coffee

Dollop Coffee: coffee shops and in-house roasting in Chicago

Dollop Coffee is a Chicago-based company that began as a small café in the Uptown neighborhood and today operates 14 locations across the city. The company roasts its own coffee and makes pastries and bread continuously in its own bakeshop.

From neighborhood café to platform for local brands

The company presents itself as more than a coffee shop chain: it defines itself as a gateway for small local producers looking to reach major retailers. Dollop partners with niche suppliers — from granola makers to kombucha producers — and helps them scale into Sprouts stores nationwide, a process the company places starting in 2027. The company describes itself as equal parts coffee shop and brand accelerator.

In-house roasted coffee and online sales

The company's shop sells its own roasted coffees in a monthly subscription format. The catalog includes, among other offerings, Berried Alive, a medium roast with notes of berries, açaí, blueberry, and fudge; Brazil Supremo, a darker roast with toffee sweetness and chocolate notes, suitable for drip and cold brew; and Ethiopia Guji, a naturally processed Ethiopian coffee with a sweet, bright profile. The prices listed on the site for these offerings range from $18 to $21, with reduced subscription rates.

Sustainability and sourcing

The company states that it applies responsible sourcing criteria and maintains transparent relationships with local suppliers. Among its practices, the use of compostable packaging in all its cafés stands out.

Own app and order ahead

Dollop has a mobile app that serves as a coffee card, rewards hub, and order-ahead channel. The app also provides information about local brand launches.

Additional services

In addition to coffee shop operations and coffee sales, the company offers catering services and a program for other producers to become suppliers.