The Well

Looking for a place to fill your cup? The Well in Manteno, Illinois is the place to be. In October 2023, The Well opened it's doors to welcome it's neighbors in the community. Upon conducting an interview with it's proud owners, I discovered that The Well is no ordinary coffee shop, but created with vision, faith, and love.

Upon stumbling across this hidden gem while driving through a little town called Manteno with my husband, we discovered much more than a tasty cup of coffee. Being a fellow coffee lover, naturally, I did a little digging. It was to my happy surprise that this coffee shop, unlike your beat down franchise brands, brought something new to the table. All I know is I definitely want a seat!

Here's what Tiffany and Shawn had to say about their family owned business:

"My husband, Shawn, and I started it with the vision of creating a space that would anchor our community—a place where people could feel welcomed, loved, and, of course, served a really great cup of coffee."

What inspired your business phrase, “A place to fill your cup?”

"We wanted a phrase that reflected our mission both figuratively and literally. At The Well, “filling your cup” means more than just caffeine—it’s about being refreshed, encouraged, and reminded that you are loved."

What makes The Well different from other coffee shops?

"The Well is built around people, not just coffee and not just profits. We care deeply about Manteno and the surrounding communities, and our mission is to make every person who walks in feel important. Manteno itself is such a unique town—it’s the kind of place where you’re bound to run into your neighbors. A good cup of coffee just makes that community connection even sweeter."

What inspired the name, "The Well?"

"The name comes from the biblical story of the woman at the well. That moment was about more than water—it was about being seen, loved, and offered something lasting. That’s the heart of what we want The Well to be for our community: a place of refreshment, love, and belonging. Historically, the well was also the central gathering place for communities, so combining that imagery with the biblical story gave us the perfect name."

What type of coffee beans does your shop use and why?

"We use high-quality beans from Columbia Street Roastery. We’re so grateful for the relationship we’ve built with them and so glad we found them when we were searching for a roaster. Their beans give us the consistency, flavor, and freshness our customers love."

What are your most popular coffees and seasonal beverages?

"Our cold brew is definitely a favorite. Even people who don’t usually like cold brew are surprised by how smooth and flavorful ours is. Customers also love our seasonal menus—we put a lot of creativity into them. Each season we roll out fun, new drinks like fall-spiced lattes, refreshing summer brews, or themed series such as Around the World and Around The Well, where our staff helps design the featured drinks."

What is your favorite thing about the customers?

"We love seeing regulars become friends, watching people meet here for meaningful conversations, and getting to be a small part of life’s everyday moments—whether it’s someone’s morning ritual, a study session, or even a celebration."

Is The Well a part of a franchise or one of a kind? If it’s one of a kind, are there any future plans to expand and open up more locations in the greater Chicago area?

"The Well is completely one of a kind. For now, our focus is on Manteno and doing that really well. Shawn and I are natural dreamers, so when we see a cute building in another town, we can’t help but imagine what it would be like. But God continues to remind us that what we’ve built in Manteno is unique, and that recreating it somewhere else could shift the mission away from people and toward profits. We never want to lose the heart behind The Well."

If you're looking for a place to fill your cup both physically and spiritually, The Well coffee shop is the place to visit. Customers can look forward to a new menu this Fall season. I know I'll be making the trip, 45 minute ride or not!