Make Markland-Hubbard Gourmet, 1739 W. 99th St., a stop on your morning route for a cup of amazing coffee paired with a delectable sweet treat. The cafe is open each weekday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Markland-Hubbard Gourmet has been open since the 1980s, and was purchased by current owner Cindi Chessare in 1996. The café moved from its original location on 95th Street to its current spot in 2012 right near the 99th Street Metra station.
With a variety of sweet rolls, brownies, and muffins to choose from, Chessare says a customer favorite is the Morning Glory roll, an enhanced carrot and raisin muffin. All of the baked goods are served fresh each morning from a southside bakery, along with their signature Coffee Masters brand coffee, which is also available for sale by the pound in both whole bean and ground coffee to take home and enjoy.
Markland-Hubbard is also a go-to for packaged food goods, including jams, salad dressings, teas, and soups. \“We sell a variety of gourmet foods from Stonewall Kitchen, Frontier soups, and Republic of Tea canisters,” Chessare said. “We also have greeting cards, gift baskets, and kitchen utensils.”
Customers can choose to create a gift basket for a new neighbor, hostess gift, new parents, clients, or they can ask Chessare for help in creating a gift basket on whatever budget they have in mind. She can choose the items and package them up for pick-up at a later date.
Chessare says she loves having a café and gourmet food shop in Beverly/Morgan Park. “It’s just a great neighborhood with a small-town feel,” she said. “I’ve had some of the same customers for more than 20 years!”
