Photograph by Paisley Stone
On the corner of Brewster Avenue and Montgomery Road in Evanston, a previously shuttered coffee shop space is now home to Cream+Sugar Coffeehouse, which celebrated its grand opening Saturday, March 21.
Cream+Sugar offers the coffeehouse standards, including multiple blends of brewed coffee and espresso-based drinks, plus specialty drinks like a “golden milk” latte made with turmeric and ginger. They’ve also kicked off their food service with a limited breakfast and lunch menu that will expand over time.
Photograph by Paisley Stone
Co-owners Teran Kinebrew and Crystal Grace, friends since high school, are adding to their resume of small business ownership: Grace owns Grace+Grit Salon in Silverton, and Kinebrew owns Sweet Petit Desserts in Over-the-Rhine.
Using Sixteen Bricks bread as the base, local chef and menu consultant Candis Johnson developed signature breakfast toasts that pile on savory or sweet flavors to get more whole foods into a variety of diets. The toast combinations include goat cheese, microgreens, and spicy honey. Another features maple-infused peanut butter, bananas covered in a strawberry-ginger drizzle, with a crunchy seed mix topping.
The storefront sits on a corner with expansive windows for plenty of natural light throughout the space, which includes a dining room and an alcove in the back for meetings. “We collaborated on the design,” Grace says. “We wanted the colors of the ocean, something soothing, relaxing. We think the plants bring good oxygen into the space, as well.”
Kinebrew explains that she hopes the plant-focused foods, including the toasts, soup, salads, and pitas, will be popular with residents in nearby neighborhoods. “We love this food, and we know that people can enjoy some of the things we typically like to eat, but in a much healthier way,” Kinebrew says. “We’re going to put our spin on it, and we hope people will take a chance and eat this way.”
During the COVID-19 carryout-only mandate, Cream+Sugar is offering its initial breakfast and drink menu. Open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon; these hours are subject to change. To stay up to date, visit their Facebook page.
Cream+Sugar Coffeehouse, 3546 Montgomery Rd., Evanston
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