Inviting atmosphere perks up St. Charles shop

At a time when e-mail, Facebook and Blackberries are often main modes of communication, a St. Charles coffee shop is all about getting back to basics.

"We've create a warm, calming, inviting atmosphere where people can just come in to talk and enjoy a coffee," said Celeste Walker, owner of Arcedium Coffeehouse at the corner of First and Indiana streets. A sense of community is essential, she said, especially as the economy continues to decline.

Celeste and her husband, Dennis, operate the business, which features organic and free-trade coffee roasted on-site.

"Once you've experienced fresh-roasted coffee, you get hooked," Celeste said.

A large Diedrich coffee roaster, manufactured in Sandpoint, Idaho, is the focal point of the shop, which seats up to 60 people and features a meeting room that has been used for knitting, business and school groups. Soft leather seating fills a portion of the shop.

Dennis serves as roast master at the business, which serves an array of specialty coffee beverages, including several signature drinks, such as espresso cioccolata and cinnamon crème latte. Frozen blended coffee drinks, hot cocoa, hot tea and fruit smoothies are also served. Regular coffee sells for between $1.60 and $1.90 a cup, while cappuccinos are between $2.70 and $3.55.

Fresh-baked pastries, soups and made-to-order panini sandwiches also are served.

"It's harder to go out and spend a lot of money on big meals," Celeste said.

She believes this shop provides another option to the consumer. Celeste is working with local bakeries to develop some signature desserts.

Dennis, 56, was born and raised in St. Charles and recently retired as a union carpenter and painter.

"He has a lot of ties to the community. He's embedded here," Celeste said. Her husband was a state wrestling champion during his senior year at St. Charles High School, she added.

The business owners now live in Geneva where Celeste is an attorney and operates her own firm focusing on family law.

The business, which opened in mid-January, offers live music on the weekends. Artwork produced by local artists is featured at the shop.

John Parker of LaGrange serves as general manager. He previously worked as a regional manager for Nordstrom espresso bars.

"John, originally from Baton Rouge, is an asset to us," Celeste said.

The shop, offering free Wi-Fi computer access, is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call (630) 444-0610 or visit arcedium-coffee.com.