After taking over Linz & Vail, new owners John Kim and Isaac Bloom have changed the name to Backlot Coffee. Backlot is a neighborhood name familiar to many in the Central Street community. Both owners are inspired by the community space the name represents and wanted to honor the community with the new name.
Backlot Coffee will continue to offer espresso beverages, artisan teas, gelato, locally made pastries and light snacks. The new owners have partnered with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, tea purveyor Rodrick Markus of Rare Tea Cellar, and Evanston’s own Frio Gelato.
Mr. Kim and his family live in Evanston. In 2005, he and his brother Brian opened the Brothers K Coffeehouse on Main Street. In 2009, John Kim opened the Other Brother Coffeehouse and has since sold the business to his long time friends. In 2014, he partnered with Chef Brian Huston to open Boltwood on Davis Street and has since left as managing partner to focus on this new project.
Mr. Bloom also lives in Evanston and notes he has joined forces with Mr. Kim to add to the already vibrant Central Street business district.