Backlot Coffee

Backlot Coffee is an independent specialty coffee company established in 2016, headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. The company was co-founded by John Kim and Isaac Bloom, both of whom possess deep ties to the local community. Kim, a veteran of the Evanston hospitality scene with two decades of experience, and Bloom, who grew up in the area, built the brand around the concept of the "backlot"—a metaphorical space representing community, belonging, and shared neighborhood experiences. This ethos serves as the foundation for their retail operations and customer engagement strategy.

Since its inception, the company has expanded to operate three distinct cafe locations across the Chicagoland area. While the business began with a focus on local hospitality, it has evolved to include a dedicated roastery that supports both its in-store service and a robust e-commerce platform. The company’s business model integrates retail coffee service, food offerings through its Central Street Kitchen, wholesale partnerships, and a subscription service that ships whole-bean coffee to customers outside of their immediate geographic footprint.

Backlot Coffee is recognized for its focus on specialty-grade coffee, with a particular emphasis on single-origin roasts. The company’s roasting program is designed to highlight the distinct characteristics of various coffee-growing regions. In industry reporting, the roaster has been noted for its ability to showcase bright, flavor-forward profiles, such as Kenyan coffees featuring distinct fruit notes, which distinguishes their output within the competitive Chicago specialty coffee market.

Operationally, the company functions as a vertically integrated hospitality brand. By managing its own roasting facilities, Backlot maintains control over the quality and consistency of its product line, which ranges from signature blends to seasonal single-origin offerings. This control allows them to cater to a diverse clientele, ranging from casual daily drinkers to specialty coffee enthusiasts who utilize their subscription services for home brewing.

Beyond its product offerings, the company maintains a strong emphasis on its role as a community hub. The founders have explicitly linked the brand’s identity to the neighborhoods they serve, particularly in Evanston. This community-centric approach is reflected in their physical spaces, which are designed to function as gathering points, mirroring the "backlot" concept of shared open spaces where neighbors interact.

As the company has matured, it has diversified its revenue streams to include catering and merchandise, further embedding itself into the local economy. While the brand has grown significantly since its 2016 launch—a milestone the company celebrated in 2026—it remains a privately held, independent entity. Its current standing in the industry is defined by its balance of local community engagement and a professionalized approach to specialty coffee roasting and distribution.