Why Pedestrian Coffee Is Tim Taylor’s Best Blend Yet

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TLDR

Before launching Pedestrian Coffee, Tim Taylor was already a familiar name in Chicago's coffee scene. As the founder of Ipsento Coffee in 2008, Tim built a reputation for his commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and strong community roots. Over the years, Ipsento grew into one of the city's most respected roasteries. But after a decade of growth and success, Tim felt it was time for something new—a venture that would blend his dedication to top-notch coffee with his belief that great coffee should be accessible to everyone.

That vision came to life with Pedestrian Coffee. Officially established in January 2019, the company gained momentum during the early days of the pandemic, offering a fresh take on specialty coffee. With three locations across Chicago and a growing following, Pedestrian Coffee aims to serve exceptional drinks while demystifying what many see as a pretentious industry. For Tim, the goal is simple: make extraordinary coffee feel like an everyday pleasure.

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Coffee That Walks the Talk

At Pedestrian, everything is rooted in intention. From the names of the drinks—like the "Jaywalker" blend or the "Hitchhiker's Scone"—to the ethos behind the brand, the message is clear: good coffee should feel inviting, not intimidating.

Tim sources beans directly from farms across the globe, paying above fair trade rates to ensure farmers are compensated fairly for their work. This commitment to ethical sourcing doesn’t just shape Pedestrian’s supply chain—it shapes its menu too. Drinks are made with organic ingredients whenever possible, and nearly everything served is made in-house.

The shop itself invites curiosity. In some locations, you'll find a lime-green Diedrich roaster buzzing away near tables built from recycled barn wood, set against murals by local artists. Pedestrian also offers mini guided barista classes, allowing coffee lovers to deepen their understanding of how their favorite drinks come together.