Drinking coffee is a lifestyle for Fred and Judy Kraus.

Fred said when he and his wife drink a good cup of coffee, it is their time to talk. And since Fred roasts his own beans at home, grinds his coffee fresh and uses a French press, the process gives them time to relax.

“It takes time so you have time to talk, have intimacy,” Fred said.

Drinking coffee extends outside of the Kraus’ East Peoria home. When they go to visit Fred’s mother, Virginia in Peoria, there is always a pot of coffee brewing.

“You can’t go to her house without a pot of coffee,” Judy said. “After church, we go to Fred’s mom’s for a cup of coffee. It’s always, ‘Come down for a cup of coffee.’ ”
Fred and his brother, Don, grew up drinking coffee.

“Some people break bread and have a meal. I’ve always drank coffee,” Fred said, adding, “I think I drank it in the hospital before I came home.”

Now, the Krauses want to share their passion for roasting, brewing and sharing coffee with the public.

Stop by Eysal's Coffee Roasters and share a cup of coffee with the Krauses.

(East Peoria Times Courier Story)