Eli’s Coffee Shop in Mackinaw closes September 6

“This decision was not made lightly and was made after careful consideration and reflection on the future of our company,” owners Rachel and Weston Berchtold wrote in a statement posted on Eli’s website and social media on Friday.

The Mackinaw Cafe at 116 S. Main St. will close on September 6 after opening in September 2022.

The location is the former branch of a Heartland Bank. When Eli’s moved in, the bank theme was incorporated: the original vault was used, the vault room was opened up to create additional seating, safety deposit boxes were used as decoration, and the original drive-thru was repurposed.

“The Mackinaw Store has been more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. We’ve seen you use it as a gathering place with friends old and new, a comfortable place to work and learn, and a place to talk about improving your part of the world. We are deeply grateful for the support and love this community has shown us since day one,” the owners wrote.

The Berchtolds said they shared their grief with the community and pointed to the friendships that have been formed in the store and its Tazewell County village.

“We close our doors in two weeks knowing that for as long as we could, we could be a positive part of the history of this building and this community,” they wrote.

The Mackinaw store was the fourth Eli’s to open in central Illinois. The first store opened in Morton in 2005, a second location was added in Tremont in 2014, and the Metamora store opened in 2017.

Eli’s other locations, as well as its headquarters and bakery in Morton, will continue to operate after the Mackinaw closure.

“Although this chapter is closing, we hope you will continue to visit us at our other locations where you can expect the same high-quality menu, friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. We are committed to continuing our mission of building our communities through connections over great coffee,” the owners wrote.