Rhonda
Stivers

Long before major coffee chains entered the city, Color Me Coffee was already making its mark. Founded in 1985, the business began as a neighborhood café with an in-house roasting operation — an uncommon concept at the time. Today, customers drive on the Dan Ryan Expressway on 90/94, passing through the Loop at Canal Port and view the Stivers sign in the window. The aroma of fresh coffee beans roasting is an unspoken invitation, drawing people in from all around.

It's not just about selling coffee — it's about creating an experience.

As the first Black coffee roasters in the United States, the company quickly grew beyond its storefront. By combining retail and wholesale operations early on, they were able to serve both everyday customers and local businesses, supplying fresh roasted coffee to cafés and restaurants throughout the city. Their presence expanded to iconic Chicago locations including Navy Pier, McCormick Place, O'Hare International Airport, and the Chicago Riverwalk.

Over time, the business evolved. The original company split into two entities: Stivers Coffee, focused on wholesale distribution, and Color Me Coffee, centered on retail and premium offerings. After years of transition and unexpected health occurrences with one of the founders, co-founder Rhonda Stivers made a powerful return — repurchasing the company she helped build and reimagining it for a new era, along with their son Jason Stivers.

Today, that vision continues with a refined focus on luxury and globally sourced coffee. Color Me Coffee specializes in beans from across the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Haiti. Their offerings also include rare and highly sought-after varieties like Jamaican Blue Mountain and Hawaiian Kona, along with signature blends such as Caribbean Queen, Calypso, and their long-standing house blend that has remained unchanged for over 40 years.

But what truly sets the brand apart is its commitment to quality and customer experience. In a simple yet innovative approach, Color Me Coffee offers complimentary cups of coffee with purchase and uses ice cubes in its iced beverages, ensuring that every sip remains rich and full-bodied, never watered down. It's a small detail that reflects a much larger philosophy: delivering value, intention, and excellence in every cup.

That dedication recently earned them one of their most significant milestones to date — securing a contract with the Obama Presidential Center through a blind taste test. What began as an opportunity to participate turned into a defining moment, positioning the brand on a national stage.

With this achievement comes even greater reach. Now integrated into major food service networks like Canteen Corporation, Color Me Coffee is expanding beyond Chicago, allowing restaurants, hotels, and institutions across the country to access their products.

Still, the journey wasn't without its challenges. Like many small business owners, managing inventory and finances has required constant adaptation. Transitioning from traditional methods to digital tools such as QuickBooks has helped streamline operations, offering clearer insight and control in an ever-changing business.

Through it all, one thing has remained constant: passion. For Rhonda Stivers, coffee is more than a business — it has been a lifelong calling. It began with studying coffee origins on handwritten note cards during her time as an international flight attendant and grew into becoming a recognized expert in the industry. Her journey truly reflects dedication, curiosity, and an unwavering love for the craft.

That passion is felt not only in the product, but in the community the brand has built. Loyal customers have supported the business for decades, forming relationships that extend far beyond transactions. It's a testament to the power of authenticity, consistency, and genuine care.