A speakeasy for caffeine? That’s the theme for a new pastry and coffee shop in Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A new pastry shop and coffee house coming to downtown aims to create a relaxing getaway with a theme from a bygone era.
Amazin Glazin Pastry & Coffee House, which debuted last year alongside My Cafe Amore in Cherry Valley, is moving to 323 W. Jefferson St., right around the corner from the historic Coronado Theatre. The goal is to open by late September.
It will specialize in a mix of cinnamon rolls, scones, brownies, cookies, cakes and creative dessert mashups. There will also be sandwiches and caffeinated drinks.
The furniture and decor will have a speakeasy theme, only it will serve a variety of coffee drinks rather than alcoholic beverages synonymous with the secret Prohibition era bars. You’ll also find menu items that fit the theme, such as an Italian sandwich called the Capone.
“You’re going to have comfortable couches, comfortable seating,” owner Patti Woody said. “I want you to come as you are. I want you to come enjoy the space, to sit and to relax. I want it to be an overall getaway. You step into it, all your troubles kind of stay at the door.”
She plans to be open Tuesdays through Sundays, as well as nights when the Coronado has a show.
“You can stop in, get your coffee, get your sandwich, your pastry — whatever you like — get ready for your show and just be able to walk down the street,” she said.
The coffee supplier is Mighty Missouri Coffee Co., a roasting company in Bismarck, North Dakota. Woody said the brand hasn’t been used in this area yet.
Amazin Glazin opened last November inside My Cafe Amore, 125 E. State St., in suite E of The Bricks in Cherry Valley. It stopped service there at the end of June as Woody prepared to move to Rockford. She said she was grateful to My Cafe Amore’s owner Morgan Bell for the partnership, but needed more space for her business to grow.
“We needed more room,” Woody said. “This space is going to allow us to branch out and bring extra things to Rockford, especially the west side.”
Woody, a South Beloit native now living in Machesney Park, will run the business with her son, Nate, and family friends.
She is a registered nurse who dove into baking during the pandemic, eventually earning her degree online from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. She decided to learn the craft because she’s gluten free and often struggled to find those options in a bakery.
The business is known for experimenting with a multitude of different scones and other desserts, constantly changing its offerings on the menu. Amazin Glazin also takes pride in offering gluten free and vegan options.
“Those are going to be another big aspect that comes along with us, too,” she said.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
