The aroma of fresh coffee and the buzz of community filled 103rd Street Thursday, Oct. 30, as Grove Coffee celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce. Though the shop officially opened in late summer, the event marked its official welcome to the neighborhood.
Owned by Oak Lawn resident and Calvary Church pastor Daniel Stidham, the café at 4736 W. 103rd St. hosted guests, local officials, and chamber members for the celebration. Among those in attendance was Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer, who congratulated Stidham and welcomed Grove Coffee to the village.
The event featured remarks from Stidham, complimentary pastries, and the official ribbon cutting. Attendees also sampled delicious menu items, including the cinnamon roll croissant and breakfast bagel sandwich with chipotle mayo.
“We’re excited to create a space where people can slow down, connect, and build relationships,” Stidham said. “Grove Coffee is all about community and conversation.”
Grove Coffee is known for its cozy interior, friendly staff, and people-first mission. Stidham said the shop grew from his passion for bringing people together and his goal to “interrupt cycles of relational and financial poverty through a people-first business.”
After a four-year search, Stidham knew the 103rd Street location was perfect. “For me, it was Oak Lawn or bust,” he said.
The shop’s name reflects Oak Lawn’s history. The area’s 95th Street was once Black Oak Grove Road, named for the natural groves where trees grew closely together. “At Grove, we believe our communities are stronger when people grow close,” Stidham said.
That philosophy extends to Grove Coffee’s partnership with Forward Mentoring, a local organization connecting teens with mentors.
During the grand opening, the shop gave away free coffee for a year, and visitors got a taste of the Oak Latte, a cozy blend of cinnamon and maple flavors inspired by Oak Lawn.
The café also features a private meeting room and a kids’ play area with a miniature wooden coffee station, welcoming families, students, and professionals alike.
Grove Coffee is open daily, except for Sundays, from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m.
With its warm atmosphere and focus on connection, Grove Coffee’s grand opening celebrated more than a new business—it introduced a new gathering place for Oak Lawn.
