Teen Entrepreneur Uses Coffee Business to Help Put Instruments in Kids’ Hands

EVANSTON, Ill., October 9, 2026 — While most teenagers spend their free time hanging out with friends, playing sports or scrolling through their phones, Wilmette teen Griffin Henry, 17, is busy founding and managing a coffee business, organizing a community fundraiser and finding ways to give back.

A young entrepreneur, musician and longtime coffee enthusiast, Griffin manages the Harley Clarke Coffee Co. at Evanston's historic Harley Clarke Mansion, and has worked to ensure that community involvement and philanthropy are part of the company's mission, with events and partnerships designed to support organizations and causes, while creating new ways for people to gather at the landmark property.

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Kicking off those efforts is Java & Jams, a two-day musical instrument drive taking place October 10–11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to benefit Hungry for Music, a nonprofit Griffin has supported in the past that helps put musical instruments into the hands of children who might not otherwise have access to them.

Community members are invited to donate gently used musical instruments, including brass, woodwinds, strings, electric keyboards, drums and other percussion, as well as amps and accessories at Harley Clarke Coffee Co., 2603 Sheridan Road in Evanston, which Hungry for Music will then distribute.

"We're super excited about Java & Jams, which is the first of a number of events we're hoping to host," said Henry.

For Griffin, the coffee business is a natural fit. His interest in coffee began years ago with a simple pour-over and grew into a genuine passion for coffee in all its forms. Managing the seasonal operation has given him an opportunity to pair that interest with entrepreneurship, music and community engagement. Through events like Java & Jams, the company also hopes to use its growing community presence to support organizations and causes that make a difference.

Griffin and his team have run Harley Clarke Coffee Company since it opened this summer and hope to continue those efforts into the fall and beyond, as access to the mansion evolves over time. Harley Clarke Mansion is being restored and redeveloped by Harley Clarke Development Co., with Celadon Construction Corporation NFP leading the project toward a planned 2027 reopening. For more information about Java & Jams and other activities at Harley Clarke Mansion, visit on the web at https://theharleyclarkemansion.com/calendar.

About Harley Clarke Coffee Co.

Harley Clarke Coffee Co. is a community-focused coffee concept based at Evanston's historic Harley Clarke Mansion. In addition to serving coffee and creating a welcoming gathering place, the company supports philanthropic and community-focused efforts through events, partnerships and giving. Harley Clarke Coffee Co. is part of the broader vision for Harley Clarke Mansion as a vibrant community destination as the property is restored and redeveloped by Harley Clarke Development Co., with Celadon Construction Corporation NFP leading the project.