Bloomington’s Hopscotch Coffee & Kitchen celebrates 10 years as an Indiana business with owners Jeff Grant and Erin Tobey. The creative couple, who both moonlight as musicians throughout the area, saw a need for a locally owned roastery, and that’s essentially how the landmark business began. Located on opposite ends of the B-line Trail, with a roastery and to-go shop on one end and the restaurant on the opposite, locals and visitors can sample their 100 percent direct trade coffee. Hopscotch redesigned its whole-bean coffee bags to honor its decade-old status and showcase its resilience, growth and change.
What made you want to become a coffee roaster and restaurateur?
I gained experience in and enjoyed working in coffee shops. Ten years ago, Bloomington didn’t have the specialty coffee places that might be found in larger cities. I partnered up with a friend, Jane Cooper Smith. She was roasting, and I wanted to open a coffee shop, and she wanted to open a roastery, so we joined forces that way.
What is your favorite type of coffee drink and why?
I mainly have a shot of espresso over ice. I’ve always enjoyed how it tastes chilled over ice, slightly better than hot. So, I still have hot espresso, but that’s usually my go-to.
What is your favorite food and coffee pairing?
I can’t think of anything better than a traditional breakfast. At Hopscotch, we have the New Traditional dish: eggs or tofu. I have eggs over medium with toast, our breakfast potatoes and black coffee, which feels perfect, familiar and comforting.
What is your favorite thing to cook for yourself and your family?
My classic soup, which I occasionally make, is made with chickpeas, spinach, potatoes, and coconut milk.
If you could choose a favorite place in Indiana to visit, where would that be located, and what would you drink and eat?
We love going to French Lick and West Baden. It feels like you’re in a baseball stadium with the size of it, but it’s a hotel, and there’s just a little restaurant in there, that’s good. It’s a pleasant experience to sit and be in a strange, massive, beautiful and ornate room.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be, and what would you eat and drink?
Cuba and I’m going to say a mojito, just because I like to fantasize that they’re better than better there than anywhere else.
What items would do you always have in your fridge?
Sliced turkey, chili crisp, good mustard and fancier condiments – apple cider from our local orchard, Slaughter – are always great.
