Chicago native Kris Christian had been a lifelong coffee drinker until she finally came to the stark realization she didn’t actually like coffee. Thinking about all the sweeteners and additives she put in coffee to make it palatable and the impact on her health, a lightbulb went off – there had to be a better way.
“I’m a natural problem solver and am always finding a solution. I thought if I was having this problem, I bet others were, too,” says Christian, a West Loop resident and son to 3-year-old Derrick. “Adding value is important to me.”
She started Chicago French Press in 2017 and never looked back. The premise of the business is simple — create coffee blends so rich in flavor that they barely need additional sweetness.
Chicago French Press has five Chicago locations, including its flagship store in the South Loop, and locations at University of Chicago and University of Illinois Chicago. They are also the premier supplier to McCormick Place and have secured nationwide product distribution, including Target retail stores, Amazon Marketplace and on the QVC Network.
Q&A with Kris Christian
How does it feel to be a woman-owned founder in an industry that’s traditionally led by men?
“At the end of the day, for me, it’s a representation that all women are capable of doing big things,” says Christian. “The value of what I’m able to bring to the world is more than the fact that I’m a woman – I’m an innovator.”
Additionally, Christian says she intentionally chose the coffee industry because the work is done primarily by women, but behind-the-scenes only.
“People don’t realize that coffee is generated by over 80 percent women who are picking cherries in other countries, milling the fields and doing the work. But we don’t see them, so we all think of coffee as a different demographic,” says Christian. “I want to change that by showing up, representing women and paving the way for them.”
How do you support communities of color, women and future leaders?
“Chicago French Press embraces a ‘Grinding for a Cause’ philanthropic ethos in which it donates a portion of its proceeds to support various charitable causes locally and nationally,” says Christian, whose current philanthropic focuses are homelessness, teacher appreciation and arts education. “Now that we are growing, we are able to expand the give back.”
What has been the most memorable part of your business journey?
“We provided roasted coffee for all of the delegates at the United Center during the Democratic National Convention and had a coffee shop operation at McCormick Place where the delegates were during the day,” says Christian. “It was really exciting to meet people from all across the country and have that type of exposure.”
Fast talk with Kris Christian
Your to-go coffee order:
Our Snicker Cinnamon Latte
Your favorite place to eat out with your family?
Mercadito – I love their steak tacos.
Your personal saying:
Do what you say you will do.
Your secret obsession:
Korean beauty skincare – I’m really into snail mucin right now
If you could change anything about your life, what would it be?
I would have more mommy friends.
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