Hop to Hillsboro to Black Rabbit Coffee Roasters and experience the magic when big dreams and small business come together to perfection. Isaac and Bailey Reynolds, Black Rabbit’s founders, started the business in 2015 with one premise- to source and create great, complex coffee at an affordable price for the people of Hillsboro.
Isaac, the son of missionaries, grew up in one of the greatest coffee-growing regions of the world in Guatemala. Bailey, a Hillsboro native, was raised assisting her parent’s venture after buying the Orpheum Theater. Isaac and Bailey chase the best beans- intensely studying and endlessly searching for the roasts that will make the perfect cup. From sourcing to blending to roasting- ceaselessly cupping and experimenting- the local flavor of this rural roaster fills big shoes and is anything but simple.
Black Rabbit’s atmosphere is unique and a vibe all its own. From custom and colorful art on the coffee bags to singular mugs and merch in the shop, customers are buzzing on social media. “Small business, small batch, hand-picked, craft roasted- salt-of-the-earth solid people,” one customer wrote. “My first cup was masterful. My second cup a revelation. My third cup an addiction. My fourth, a revolution. How in the world did world-class roasting land in south-central Illinois?” marveled another.
But the beans speak for themselves at Black Rabbit. The shop offers honed-in pour over coffee, iced and hot lattes, has a great tea selection, and makes their own syrups. Fresh pastries and muffins line the bake case. Stop by for a coffee and go to the Orpheum Theater across the street to catch a film. The eclectic interior of the shop is a great place to relax or study. Bean delivery is available and the staff at Black Rabbit are knowledgeable to advise you on the ideal roast and cup.