The dream of Next Cafe first took shape in 2019 during a trip to Destin, Florida. While exploring the area, we stumbled upon a breakfast spot that completely fascinated us. It wasn’t just the food—it was the atmosphere, the energy, the way people gathered over a meal to start their day. Something about it sparked a thought: What if we created a place like this?

When we returned home, that idea stayed with us. We started looking into buying a business with a breakfast concept, but at the time, the right opportunity didn’t come along. Instead, we found a bar in Bolingbrook that seemed like a promising venture, and we took it over, naming it Two Pints Lounge. It was an exciting challenge, and we poured ourselves into making it work.

But after two years, something still felt off. As much as we enjoyed the restaurant industry, we knew deep down that a bar wasn’t where our true passion lay. In the fall of 2022, we made the tough decision to sell Two Pints Lounge—not as an ending, but as a step toward something greater.

With the experience we had gained, we refocused on our original dream: a breakfast and lunch café that truly reflected our vision. We wanted to create a place where people could gather, enjoy freshly made meals, and feel at home. A place that would bring the same warmth and excitement we had felt back in Destin.

And that’s how Next Cafe was born. From the lessons we learned to the love we put into every dish, this café represents everything we’ve worked toward. As we approach our one-year anniversary, we are beyond grateful for the journey that brought us here—and for every customer who has made this dream a reality.