Manny Garcia stood behind the espresso machine on Wednesday afternoon, high-fiving regulars by name as they filed in for Biggby Coffee’s one-year anniversary celebration.
A year ago, Garcia and his wife Sarah bet their family’s future on a neighborhood gathering place in Palos Heights. On Wednesday, the café they opened at 11845 Southwest Highway proved the bet had paid off.
The family-owned business has become a fixture in the community by focusing on handcrafted drinks and genuine connections with customers. Since opening last April, the Garcias have built a loyal base of regulars who stop in for morning coffee, afternoon pick-me-ups, or casual meetups with friends.
The anniversary celebration reflected that success. A live DJ played throughout the day. The café offered buy-one-get-one-free drink specials and prize giveaways.
“We are so excited to be celebrating one year in Palos Heights,” Garcia said.
Garcia, a Palos Heights resident raising his young daughter in the community, said the café’s success came from treating customers like neighbors, not transactions.
Biggby Coffee is part of a growing Michigan-based coffee brand known for specialty beverages — tea lattes, sweet foam cold brews, and energy drink-based mocktails. The café also serves breakfast items and a menu geared toward younger customers.
When the shop first opened, city leaders praised the investment in the community. The Garcias have returned that support by staying involved in local events and building relationships with neighboring businesses.
With the first year behind them, the couple said they are focused on deepening those connections and expanding their menu based on customer feedback.
