Theo’s Java Club finds ways to draw in customers during sluggish economy

By Stephanie De Pasquale | Saturday, September 06, 2008

I went nearly two months without my weekly mocha from Theo’s Java Club in the District of Rock Island because of gas prices.

But since I’ve been filling up for about $40 instead of $50 the last couple of weeks, I figured it was time to head back to Theo’s and feed my addiction.

Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who has skipped their mochas and lattes in order to make ends meet recently, and owner Theo Grevas’s business has been suffering because of it.

Grevas said between losing his smoking crowd that filled the coffee shop throughout the day in January and the weakened economy, he’s had to make some adjustments and will start running some specials both to celebrate its 15th anniversary in the Quad-Cities and showcase the food menu.

“I think we’ve shown some of the coffees are very good and we want to let people know that we have a little bit more than that,” Grevas said.

Theo's Java Club will offer 10 percent off all sandwiches, and free soup with any lunch order Sept. 10-17.  I usually get the BLT, although I practically lived on the bagel sandwiches in college when Theo’s Java operated a shop in Augustana College’s library.

To draw in more customers, Grevas added new items such as a breakfast burrito to the food menu, now opens an hour earlier on weekdays at 6 a.m., and offers free WiFi service to customers.

Theo’s Java Club also continues to offer open mic night on Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Theo’s Java Club is located at 213 17th St., Rock Island. and is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and is closed on Sunday.

If you go, bring your checkbook or cash because Theo’s doesn’t accept debit or credit cards.

Stephanie De Pasquale can be contacted at (563) 333-2639 or sdepasquale@qctimes.com.