☕️ Today on Tasties: Quad Coffee Lab – South Bend’s Roasted Revival

May 28

Hey, Tasties tribe! It’s your friendly neighborhood caffeine scout, back with a brew so good it deserves its own parade. If you’re a coffee snob, a local-business lover, or just someone who likes your espresso with a little side of story, buckle up—we’re heading into the heart of South Bend to visit Quad Coffee Lab, a hidden treasure nestled in the industrial park off Sample Street.

🔍 From Courtroom to Coffeehouse

Quad Coffee Lab is the brainchild of John Kuehn, a Notre Dame labor and relations attorney, part-time professor, and full-time coffee enthusiast. John’s story is the kind of entrepreneurial pivot we love to hear: once an investor in another coffee venture that fell through due to the pandemic, he found himself craving more than just caffeine—he wanted to understand the craft. So, he took courses, traveled for training, and immersed himself in the bean-to-brew process.

The location he eventually chose? A half-built space originally intended to become a South Bend Chocolate Company shop. When the pandemic paused those plans, John saw opportunity in the half-finished walls and industrial bones. With just a few upgrades (electric, plumbing, and of course, premium coffee equipment), Quad Coffee Lab was born.

🌿 What Sets Quad Apart?

1. Roasting with Intention
John sources green beans from trusted importers like Cafe Imports in Minneapolis (where he trained) and Theodore’s Ridge near the South Bend airport. While much of the espresso is still roasted by Cafe Imports for now, John’s favorite part of the work is developing roast profiles himself—figuring out how to get the best flavor from each new bean.

2. Logan Center Partnership
Quad is collaborating with the Logan Center, an organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Clients from the center now roast coffee at Quad as part of an official partnership, producing coffee for sale. It’s not just inclusive—it’s revolutionary.

3. Community-Centric Growth
Instead of jumping straight into franchising or opening multiple shops, John’s plan is slow, smart, and community-minded. He’s focusing on roasting, local delivery, and pop-ups for now, with hopes of expansion when the time is right. Quad already delivers to local institutions like Notre Dame, and they’re building relationships to hopefully become a campus staple.

🍽️ Coffee & Eats: What to Expect

Let’s talk food and drink. Quad isn’t just here to pour a quick cup. It’s an artisan experience.

Drinks:

• Pour-overs using rotating single-origin beans

• Chai lattes for the spice lovers

• Cold brews (look out for maple brown sugar and butter pecan!)

• A Minneapolis-roasted espresso that will absolutely keep you awake

Food:

• Pastries from Ragamuffin Bakery and Bakesea

• Pan dulce on weekends

• Locally sourced baked goods curated to match the quality of their drinks

John is also a self-proclaimed foodie, so the sourcing is deliberate, local, and high-quality. The pastries? They’re not just good—they’re from some of the best small-batch bakers in the area.

🚩 A Soft Spot for Soldiers

John isn’t just community-minded—he’s military-friendly. With the Lyle J. Thompson Army Reserve Center just down the road ,I may have dropped a not-so-subtle hint that we’d love to pop in for drill weekend. His answer? "Give me your schedule."

It’s the kind of responsive, heart-forward attitude that makes Quad feel less like a business and more like a local hub.

🏢 The Space: Functional, Warm, Intentional

From the moment you step in, Quad balances minimalism with comfort. John picked out every chair, every table, every light. The furniture was sourced from Knox, Indiana – because if you’re building a local dream, why not keep it local?

Power outlets? Check.
Strong Wi-Fi? Yes.
Room for laptops, planners, and group study sessions? Absolutely.

This is a space that invites you to stay a while.

🔎 Local, Loyal, and Growing

John’s roots in South Bend go back to 1993. His wife Michelle, a South Bend native, has been instrumental in building the Quad dream—even connecting the dots that helped John recognize me (your Tasties guide) as the daughter of two local business owners.

Yes—South Bend is that small and that connected. And John wants to keep it that way.

He’s already helping two Notre Dame students launch their own roasting brand using Quad’s equipment. That’s what community growth looks like. One opportunity, one young entrepreneur at a time.

🚴 Who Will Love It Here?

College Students:
Whether you're pulling an all-nighter or recovering from one, this is your new HQ.

Freelancers & Remote Workers:
Quad offers everything a mobile office needs. Bonus points for the good vibes and great lattes.

Local Coffee Lovers:
You’ll find community roasters like Revenant and Embassy celebrated here, too. Collaboration, not competition.

Military Folks:
If you’re stationed nearby, John might just open early for you. Seriously.

South Bend Revivalists:
Anyone passionate about the city’s growth will find this place emblematic of what’s possible when you lead with vision and kindness.

🌟 Final Sip & Takeaway

Quad Coffee Lab is what happens when passion meets purpose. It’s a place where coffee lovers, entrepreneurs, students, veterans, and locals all find a home. It’s a thoughtfully built, lovingly run space that prioritizes quality, connection, and community.

Whether you're a chai devotee, espresso purist, or just someone looking for a quiet table with good Wi-Fi and even better vibes—Quad Coffee Lab is your new go-to.

Support local. Sip intentionally. And next time you're in South Bend, do yourself a favor: make Quad your first stop.

Tell them Tasties sent you—and maybe I’ll finally earn that free cookie. 😉

Cheers to caffeine, connection, and community. See you at Quad!