Atomic Coffee Bar Puts the Best of the QC in One Cup
There are a lot of coffee places around the Quad Cities, but there is only one Atomic Coffee. Atomic is unique in many ways; most notably the fact that they're a drive-through only business that is settled in a parking lot off of Brady Street in Davenport. One would not normally expect to get such great tasting coffee, as well as exemplary service from a tiny trailer filled with millennial baristas, but that's exactly what Atomic delivers.
In 2010, Peter Schillaci relocated to Davenport from Portland, Oregon for his wife's job. His brother, Steven, who visited often, would struggle to find good coffee when he was in the area. They say necessity is the mother of invention, so the brothers decided the QC was the perfect place to start a coffee business together.
Steven moved to Davenport in 2015 after the location of Atomic was finalized, and in February 2016, Atomic Coffee opened. We spoke with Peter Schillaci about Atomic and how the coffee bar first got its start.
I know you are from the Portland area. How did you end up in the QC? Also, give me some background on starting the company.
Back in 2010, I (co-owner, older brother) moved to Davenport, IA from Portland, Oregon when his wife took a professor position at St. Ambrose College of Business. Every time Steven (co-owner, younger brother) came to visit, he had to google a place to find great coffee (and there weren’t many options). In 2014 Steven decided he would use his acquired knowledge of coffee and open his very own coffee shop. When seeking advice from his older brother, Peter persuaded Steven to aim his sights on the Midwest, particularly Davenport, IA where they could take on the coffee game together.
Together they built a business plan and in the summer of 2015, Steven moved to Davenport when they finally had the location for their coffee shop secured. The build took nearly 6 months to complete in the southeast corner of the Walnut Center parking lot, which was just enough time to generate a full drink menu and focus on their branding of Atomic Coffee Bar. After a few minor setbacks (these things happen when starting from scratch) they finally sold their first cup of coffee on January 29th, 2016 followed by the Grand Opening of Atomic Coffee Bar on February 6.
How would you describe the 'typical' Atomic Coffee customer?
The typical customers of Atomic Coffee Bar are aged anywhere from 16-60. We offer such a diverse variety of drinks, that there’s literally something for everyone to enjoy. Since we’re primarily a drive-thru only, we don’t get many customers under the age of 16, but that doesn’t mean kids don’t love our drinks too!
Have there been any items (drinks) that have been big sellers that have surprised you?
Originally our Signature drinks were designed to add a variety to our menu and not be the focus. However, as soon as customers got one taste of what we were capable of making, our Signature Drinks literally went viral. The “Nutty Professor” (Signature Drink that resembles the taste of a Snickers candy bar) was actually a late addition to the menu during the initial conception. Now, it’s one of our best sellers!
Why do you think Atomic has been so successful in a competitive market? What do you think sets Atomic apart?
We believe Atomic Coffee Bar will be successful because we don’t follow the rules of the existing coffee game. We’re a young enough company that we can make changes and decisions on the fly with little to no repercussions. Everything we’ve done up to this point has been a calculated risk, but we knew if we could offer a great product at a competitive price we would have customers. Simple as that.
What does the future hold for Atomic?
In the future, we hope to open more locations in the area, but right now we’re focused on our location on 47th and Brady Street. We’re still having fun experimenting with new drinks, making people's day, and building our brand… that will continue to be part of what we do forever!
Hours
5am – 9pm
6am – 8pm
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