Too Many Coffee Shops In Darien?

DARIEN, IL – Darien is expected to see a couple more coffee shops. That's in addition to the others already in town.

Last week, the city released information showing that a Dutch Bros Coffee is planned for the site of the old TGI Fridays restaurant, along with a chain custard restaurant.

And near Darien's Jewel, a developer said a coffee shop is coming.

Both are along 75th Street.

As it is, two Dunkin' Donuts restaurants and a Starbucks are along or near Darien's 75th corridor.

In recent days, a resident told city officials that Darien has too many coffee shops.

During Monday's City Council meeting, Dan Gombac, the municipal services director, said the city could not direct what type of restaurants are allowed, as long as they meet zoning rules.

The coffee shops, he said, are coming in after they vet the area's market to see if demand exists.

"It's good competition. It's healthy competition," Gombac said.

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