Our Story

In 2003, Elizabeth Wolf started roasting coffee in Kewanee, Illinois — not to build an empire, but because she believed a small town deserved exceptional coffee. Over twenty years later, that same belief drives every batch we roast.

Elizabeth studied fine arts in New York City, but set her brushes down when her children were small and the demands of building a business filled every hour. Then one afternoon, with toddlers underfoot and a name for the company forming in her mind, she pulled a book of rooster photography from the library.

She had never painted in watercolor before, but she sat down, taught herself and painted the rooster that would become the face of Country Morning Coffee  —  the same image on every bag we’ve ever made.  That original painting hangs in our cafe today.

Country Morning Coffee roasts to order, in small batches, because freshness isn't a feature, it's the whole point. Our coffee never sits in a warehouse and is never stale. That’s not a marketing claim. It’s just how we’ve always done it.

Today our coffee is available online, in our café at 205 W. 1st Street in Kewanee, and on the shelves of grocers we’re proud to call partners — from longtime independent retailers across central Illinois to Hy-Vee locations throughout the Quad Cities, Peoria, and Bloomington. Whether you find us in a neighborhood store you’ve shopped for years or discover us online, you’re getting the same coffee: roasted here, with care, since 2003.

Our Team

Country Morning Coffee has always been a hands-on, close-knit team.

Every batch that leaves our roasting shop has passed through the hands of people who genuinely care about the work and the customers we serve.

August Wolf, Business Manager (my son)
August oversees our day-to-day operations — including café management, roasting, and wholesale accounts — ensuring every order, large or small, receives the same care and attention that has defined Country Morning Coffee since 2003.

Anna Cone’, Baker & Coffee Roaster
Since joining us in 2022, she has brought a creative touch and meticulous care to every batch — from our fresh-baked goods to the coffee she is now roasting, her attention to detail and commitment to quality show in everything she makes.

As we’ve grown, we’ve welcomed new faces to our front-of-house — people who share our commitment to quality and genuine service. While our team has expanded, our approach hasn’t changed.

We’re still focused on doing things the right way.

Still roasting in small batches.

Still making sure every bag of coffee we send out is something we’re proud of.

Elizabeth Wolf