Free Press Coffee to close Toronto Road location

By Niko Robledo

Owner Jane Ann Petty will be closing the Free Press Coffee House location at 1370 Toronto Road in Springfield on July 15. This does not affect the recently opened Free Press coffee shop in Springfield at 916 S. Grand Avenue West or Petty’s other two Free Press locations in Pittsfield and Mount Sterling.

“We came to the realization that the location at Toronto Road did not work with our business model, and it is best for us to focus on our strength of creating spaces in buildings that have a significant history,” Petty said.

Petty has partnered with Three Twigs Bakery, located at 319 E. Monroe St. in Springfield, who will be providing baked goods for all three Free Press locations. Three Twigs also partners with Custom Cup Coffee in downtown Springfield.

“I have been thinking about this for quite a while, but the final decision was abrupt as we finally sat down and weighed the pros and cons. Being able to have a proper work/life balance is essential to the success of Free Press Coffee. This pivot move will allow us to participate in more events across central Illinois and create more local partnerships,” Petty said.