I was soo curious about Heritage Bicycles General Store that I swung by today and was completely impressed. It was freezing out, and the owner (Mike) let me bring my bike right into the store so I didn’t have to lock it up outside. Mike, his wife Melissa & their adorable 8 month old baby Bennett were chilling in the cafe (conveniently they live above the shop). Alan the friendly barista poured me a delicious cup of Stumpton coffee and I sat down to enjoy my book at the communal table. I chatted with Melissa about my market bag and how I think they should do a local + global partnership with Apolis Activism to sell the bag in Chicago (which Apolis has already done with multiple cities across the US). Mike complimented me on my PUBLIC bicycle, and we talked about the company and its founder Rob Forbes (turned out we both were at a talk hosted by Moving Design where Rob spoke this past August). I inquired about how Heritage Bicycles came to be, Mike shared his story-the troubles of acquiring all the permits in the city of Chicago and also hopes for future expansion into other cities, a beer license and a beer garden for the summer!

The best way to put it was that these people are genuinely friendly. I just felt right at home from the start. That’s great customer service and that’s why I’ll be going back again and again-for coffee, for food, by myself or with friends. What a wonderful new place right in my neighborhood!