Café & Coffee Equipment Supplier in Chicago
Common Friends Coffee helps cafés, restaurants, hotels, offices and hospitality businesses choose, set up and support commercial coffee equipment in Chicago. We approach equipment from an operator's perspective: the right machine is the one that fits the menu, volume, counter space, utilities, workflow and budget.
Talk with Common Friends about an equipment project or see how equipment fits into our complete wholesale coffee program.
Commercial Espresso Machines, Brewers and Grinders
We sell and support equipment from leading coffee-equipment manufacturers, including La Marzocco, Nuova Simonelli, Bunn, Fetco, Curtis, Mazzer, Mahlkönig and Eversys.
Projects can range from replacing a single grinder or batch brewer to planning a complete espresso bar or equipment package for a multi-location operation.
Equipment Selection Based on the Operation
Before recommending equipment, we look at the actual service model: expected drink volume, menu mix, peak periods, available electrical and plumbing, water quality, counter dimensions, staffing and budget. That helps avoid both under-sizing and buying expensive equipment the operation does not need.
New Café and Restaurant Buildouts
For new openings, Common Friends can assist with equipment specifications, utility planning, water-filtration guidance, layout and workflow considerations, installation coordination, setup, calibration and staff onboarding.
If coffee supply is part of the project too, see our pages for wholesale coffee for cafés and restaurant coffee programs.
Water Filtration and Calibration
Water affects both coffee quality and equipment reliability. We can help match filtration to the equipment and local water conditions, then calibrate brewers and grinders so the system is ready for service.
Equipment Repair and Preventative Maintenance
Our technical support can include espresso-machine repair, brewer and grinder service, troubleshooting, grinder calibration, preventative maintenance, water-filter replacement, parts sourcing and new-equipment setup.
Service options can be built around the size and needs of each account, with additional technical support available for qualifying wholesale coffee partners.
Training After Installation
Equipment only works well when the team knows how to use and maintain it. We can train staff on espresso dialing, grinder adjustment, batch-brew recipes, cleaning, daily maintenance and the operating routines needed to keep the bar consistent.
Equipment for Offices and Hotels
Commercial coffee equipment is not limited to cafés. We also help plan office coffee programs and hotel and hospitality coffee programs where durability, ease of use and consistent output may matter more than a traditional café configuration.
Start an Equipment Project
Send us the concept, expected volume, equipment you already have and any known utility or space constraints. We can help narrow the field and build a package around the actual project.
Contact Common Friends Coffee about commercial coffee equipment.
Café Equipment FAQ
What coffee equipment brands does Common Friends work with?
Our current equipment program includes brands such as La Marzocco, Nuova Simonelli, Bunn, Fetco, Curtis, Mazzer, Mahlkönig and Eversys.
Can you help plan equipment for a new café?
Yes. We can assist with equipment selection, utilities, water filtration, workflow, setup, calibration and staff onboarding.
Do you service equipment after installation?
Yes. Technical support can include troubleshooting, repair, preventative maintenance, calibration, filter replacement and parts sourcing.