Roscoe Village Now Has What May Be the First Pilates Studio/Coffeeshop Combo Ever

Pilates instructor Jacquelyn Brennan has been a Roscoe Village fixture for more than a decade, compiling a list of loyal clients. When the studio she taught at — Helios Center For Movement — closed, she needed to regroup. While she held a passion of pilates, her husband, Ryan Brennan, held a passion for coffee. That’s how Pilates + Coffee, what they believe is America’s first combination pilates studio and full-service coffeeshop, opened at 2144 W. Roscoe Street.

The business model, where the front of their 1,400-square-foot space is a cafe, made sense to the Brennans. While at Helios, many of Brennan’s pilates clients were either coming or going from a coffeeshop. As they researched the idea, the only comparable business they came across a yoga studio/coffeeshop combo in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Since they’ve trademarked the name and established a website, they’ve received inquiries from interesting parties, including a high volume from Australia where pilates and coffee are unusually popular.

“They tell us it’s a brilliant idea,” Ryan Brennan said.

The studio opened in October, but the coffeeshop portion opened last week. They serve Ipsento Coffee, Ryan Brennan said they’re the first coffeeshop that serves Ipsento’s signature lattes other than the roaster’s shops in Bucktown and along the 606. Their other signature drink is the Roscoe Joe. It’s an espresso over ice with San Pellegrino sparkling water, simple syrup, and whipping cream: “It looks like a Guinness but tastes light because of the San Pellegrino,” said Ryan Brennan.

Pilates + Coffee [Official]

They’ll also pour draft coffee and offer packaged snacks from Real Good Juice Co. Families with young children dominate Roscoe Village, and the Brennans want to serve them. They’re offering a latte for kids called the Little Roscoe Rascal. It’s steamed organic milk and vanilla syrup from Jo Snow. There’s also scones from Scone City in Wicker Park.

The cafe has seven seats and three tables. There’s WiFi, but it’s not designed as a place for laptoppers to spend the entire day. The Brennans are working on a patio that will add more seating outdoors.

Ryan Brennan wants to stress that the cafe isn’t just for pilates clients. They want the entire neighborhood to enjoy their drinks and increase their wellness. A few Chicago gyms and fitness studios have cafes or juice bars, but not with espresso. Check out this unique combo in Roscoe Village.

Pilates + Coffee, 2144 W. Roscoe Street, open 7 a.m. to noon on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends. Ownership plans to extend those hours until 4 p.m. daily in mid-April.