WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008

New coffee concept taking hold in Drake Hotel, Hancock Center

by Maureen Wilkey
Chicago

A new European coffee and espresso concept is coming to America and has chosen two Chicago landmarks as its first locations. Espressions by Lavazza will help Chicago show that it is a world class city by opening up shop in the mezzanine of the Drake Hotel today and on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center on Decemeber 1.

"Why not Chicago?" says Joerg Oberschmeid, COO of Espression by Lavazza. "We already Lavazza locations here and there's a good demographic here."
The first location at the Drake hotel was requested by Hilton, which owns the hotel. The Hancock building location is part of a franchise partnership with the building's owner, Golub & Co.

The cafe's concept is to bring Italian treats like Espressone (espresso topped with light mouse), Espesso (edible, creamy espresso) and Ciccolata (rich Italian drinking chocolate) to America. Paired with a unique, award-winning interior architecture, the cafe is a place designed to cater to all of the senses, says Ann Ertsas, director of marketing for Lavazza.

"It appeals to the sight, the touch, the smell, the sound and of course, the taste," she says. "There's really nothing like it in America right now."

The concept already has stores open in Germany and Italy. Italian architect Crea Inaternational designed the space which includes an exclusive "scribble" design, unique chairs in several different shapes, counters made of polished river stones and artwork from the cafe's yearly calendar that display a different theme every year. The design was awarded the Association for Retail Environments 2008 Retail Design award. The 1,884 square foot space at the Drake Hotel will be a model for other locations throughout the country, Oberschmeid says.

The cafe, which also serves fresh made sandwiches and salads, is bolstered by the clientele of the hotel, who often matches its target demographic. But the cafe helps the hotel out as well Oberscmied says.
"We're also helping the hotel distinguish itself," he says. "It's just an amazing location."

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