More Than Just Coffee Brewing at 'Mischief's'

When customers walk into Libertyville's newest coffee shop, they can expect to encounter friendly employees, comfy chairs and maybe just a little 'Mischief.'

Mischief's Brewing opened July 6 in the space formerly occupied by Caribou Coffee, which closed April 14. Owners Tina and Rachel Richardson, a mother-daughter team, along with their relatives (and fellow mother-daughter team) Michelle and Kaitlyn Chapley, want Mischief's Brewing to be a fun, friendly environment.

"'Mischief's Brewing' just means fun. It says fun is happening," said Tina. 

The shop's ownership team had talked for years about opening a business, and the idea became more of a priority when Tina's job was moved to Kentucky in February. When they learned that Caribou was closing, the team immediately started inquiring about the location. 

"It's a good location," said Tina. "The day that we heard that it was closing, we were there the very next day. We thought, that's the exact location we're looking for."

With her business background, Michelle drafted a business plan, and Rachel used her design and event planning knowledge to plan out the store's interior. 

A lot of work also went into the shop's menu, which is different from a typical coffee shop. There are many food options at Mischief's Brewing, including pita bread with hummus, salad, pizza and hot dogs. There will also be soups and chili.
 
"It's a little bit more than just your average coffee shop," said Tina. 

Food and beverages, when enjoyed in the store, are served on real plates and in real cups. 

"We wanted customers to feel like it's a home away from home," said Rachel. 

The coffee at the shop is a special—and secret—blend created by Mischief's Brewing's coffee roaster. Dubbed the Mischievous Blend, it's a mid-roast that's available in both regular and decaf. There's also an Italian dark roast available, Tina said, along with flavored coffees like Jamaican Me Crazy and White Russian.

Mischief's Brewing also offers drinks like mochas and lattes, and there are special 'Mischievous' creations each day. This week's featured flavors have included chocolate-covered strawberry and another with hazelnut and toasted marshmallow flavors.

Mischief's Brewing also has a variety of teas for customers to purchase.

The shop offers free Wi-Fi, and Caribou's old blackboard remains on the wall, along with a supply of chalk for customers to write with. Customers can also see the shop's mascots—a trio of Bettas named Lincoln, Sherlock Holmes and The Crimson Ghost. 

"The four of us are really excited that we're open," said Tina. "We're hoping the people in Libertyville will be excited as well."

Mischief's Brewing, located at 725 N. Milwaukee Ave., is open from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sundays.