National Coffee Chain Coming To Darien

DARIEN, IL – A national chain that calls itself the "most respected" drive-thru coffee brand in America is coming to Darien.

Mudslingers Drive Thru Coffee is set for the shopping center that includes the local Jewel grocery store at the corner of 75th Street and Cass Avenue.

The city said Mudslingers submitted a building permit application, with plans in the early stages. The construction project has not started yet.

In mid-June, Mudslingers announced on social media that it was planning the Darien restaurant, along with locations in Milliken, Colorado; Huntingdon, Tennessee; and Lincoln, Nebraska.

"We're working hard behind the scenes on planning, permitting, and construction, and we can't wait to bring our handcrafted coffee, energy drinks, teas, and friendly drive-thru service to these amazing communities," the company said.

The chain has no restaurant locator on its website. But a Google Maps search indicates that Mudslingers has 16 locations scattered around the country.

Illinois has none yet. In neighboring states, Missouri has three and Iowa has one, according to Google Maps.

The Darien restaurant will be between Taco Bell and Concentra Urgent Care at the corner of 75th Street and Cass Avenue. Its site is in the outlying parking lot.

In early 2024, Darien officials approved a zoning permit to allow a 1,000-square-foot restaurant on the property.

It was requested by the developer, Vick Mehta, owner of Downers Grove-based Indvestia Capital.

In April, Darien revealed that a Dutch Bros Coffee and Andy's Frozen Custard were planned for the site of the old TGI Fridays at 2201 75th St.

In January, the Wall Street Journal reported that pizzerias were losing ground to coffee shops and Mexican restaurants.