When you think of coffee, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For owners of The Coffee Can, a small-town coffee shop in Taylorville, Illinois, they think classic. A classic cup of coffee is the perfect way to start a morning or the perfect pick-me-up on a long day. But The Coffee Can is more than your traditional shop. It’s a mixture of classic and unique. Located in a 1963 Land Yacht Airstream in Taylorville, Illinois, this coffee shop is the definition of a hidden gem.

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The Coffee Can is the type of destination you’ll want to revisit over and over again. Not just because the menu is full of delicious favorites, but because the vibe is one you will never want to leave.

The idea for The Coffee Can began when owner Ashley Kochniarczyk’s daughter was about to start school full time and it was time for Kochniarczyk felt it was time to enter the workforce. She wanted a job that would allow her to utilize her creativity and not feel like a “punch the clock” profession.

“I was getting the oil changed in my car and as I waited for this to be done, I was listening to the other patrons in this shop,” Kochniarczyk said. “I live in a small community and the conversation centered around local agriculture and local politics. I thought, ‘the only thing this place needs is donuts and coffee’ and an idea was born.”

However, as Kochniarczyk started to put her plans together, she knew that the location was critical to her success and she found a 1963 Land Yacht Airstream that could bring her idea to life.

The Airstream's interior was then restored and custom built. Many details were added including local Amish cabinets and high-quality coffee equipment.

And while the atmosphere is certainly one of a kind at The Coffee Can, the menu is just as impressive.

The menu boasts a vast selection of coffee and tea products. From house blends to espressos and ice espressos, there is something for everyone.

If dairy isn’t your thing, that’s not a problem. There is also a selection of plant-based milks, including coconut, oat, and almond.

Many people come to The Coffee Can for a cup of coffee but they won’t leave without the donuts. The donuts are made to order so they are hot, fresh, and delicious. There are also a variety of toppings to choose from, so you’ll find something to satisfy whatever you are craving.

There are many things that have made The Coffee Can a success in a small town. However, Kochniarczyk gives credit to one person.

"When I think about what has made us successful,” Kochniarczyk said, “I know it’s a variety of things but the most important thing is Niki Coomer. Niki is one of those always upbeat, knows everyone in town [...] When I approached her with the idea of The Coffee Can she dove in headfirst and committed to making this dream a reality with all of the passion and enthusiasm anyone could hope for."

And while Kochniarczyk loves working with a good friend and family, she is passionate about her community.

“We are a small town filled with hard-working teachers, nurses, accountants, farmers, and small business workers that take pride in living here. We would not be successful without this fantastic community. A large portion of our customers are 'regulars.' We look forward to seeing them every day and in some cases, multiple times a day. We share jokes, talk about their day, and relish in the fact that we believe we are making each other’s day a bit better,” she said.

Many thanks to The Coffee Can owner Ashley Kochniarczyk for sharing the story of this treasure of a coffee shop in Taylorville, Illinois. Learn more and support this delightful Illinois coffee shop by visiting The Coffee Can website and The Coffee Can Facebook page.

Of course, The Coffee Can is just one of the many amazing businesses in Illinois that are doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Illinois, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Illinois on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.