This small business bursts with so much love and care, that you can feel it as soon as you are greeted at the door. Steam Anchor Coffee Company in Fulton, Illinois makes people feel like family.

It was the perfect rainy fall day when I visited. While I love fall, if we’re talking about coffee, I’m one of those women who wants to skip Pumpkin Spice Season and head straight into Peppermint Mocha Season. I ordered a Frost Mocha and sat in a quiet corner while the lunch rush died down and people enjoyed each others company.

Authentic

Steam Anchor feels like home. They’re authentic, they’re original, and they care. When you walk in you are immediately greeted. Three large TV screens on the wall make ordering simple. It’s not just the amazing coffee. They have salads, sandwiches, and ice cream. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served six days a week. And even better? They have a drive-thru!

By supporting small businesses, patrons help support a dream, a family, and so much more. When buying from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance. Do you know who that person is? The owners and dreamers behind Steam Anchor, Benjamin and Paige Wilbur.

When I sat down to talk to Ben about the story behind his business, he immediately lit up and said, “We love people so stinking much. We have this Disney mentality and we want people to feel welcome just by entering our doors.”

And they do just that.

A little background

There wasn’t much in the strip mall before Steam Anchor took up residence. When Ben and Paige did a business plan, the bank looked at them and said, “You do know that 9 out of 10 coffee houses close, right? What makes you so special?” Ben said that despite all of the research on demographics, target market, and marketing – none of it mattered. They were moving forward with their dream because they were called to do it. They have a heart for people and a vision that they knew couldn’t fail.

The Wilburs take great pride in serving the community and creating high-quality food and drinks. If you’re someone like me, you almost always ask questions about what specialty coffee drink is most popular, or what sandwich do people rave about most. The staff is knowledgeable on the menu and is happy to patiently answer any questions — despite me always being indecisive between multiple things on the menu! The food is absolutely unparalleled. Everything is fresh and has great flavor. They prep and serve all food and drinks with care.

The “Shockwave”

Besides coffee, Steam Anchor created a drink that seems to be very popular, the “Shockwave.” This colorful, energy-packed drink is an alternative to other energy drinks. Steam Anchor developed their own flavor profiles. They made them bright and colorful to appeal to the younger crowd who may not like coffee. When I asked Ben what the recipe was, he smiled at me and said, “It’s a secret, so you will have to just order one and guess for yourself.” They also have smoothies (Wild Berry Wonder is my personal favorite) and protein shakes on the menu. 

Secret’s out.  An expansion is coming.

Ben let me in on a little secret… they are getting ready to expand! Steam Anchor is going from 1400 sq. ft to 2000. This is to add additional seating, offices, a conference room, and are you ready for it…. A ROASTERY! 

Location and Hours

So If you’re searching for a place more connected to the daily hum around you, make Steam Anchor your new favorite stop. Open Monday – Friday 7:00 – 7:00 Saturday 7:00 – 3:00. Closed on Sundays.

Steam Anchor Coffee & Cafe
1310 17th Street,  Fulton, IL, 61252, (815) 208-7074