Brewing Success: The Story of Fluid Coffee Bar

Alison and Chuck’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a shared love for a good cup of joe. High school sweethearts with creative spirits, the couple has been inseparable for over three decades. In 1991, they moved to Chicago, just as the coffee scene was beginning to percolate. They were captivated by the emerging coffee culture, especially with the arrival of Starbucks in the city.

Fast forward to 2015, and the couple found themselves at a crossroads. Their children were growing up, and they were bored with their jobs. Finally they decided to revisit an old dream: opening a coffee shop. Brimming with excitement and good ideas, they decided to take the plunge.

“We quit our jobs, we quit our careers, and we were wondering how we were going to get paid,” Chuck recalls with a laugh. Their families thought they were being irresponsible, but the couple was determined. They approached their long-time bank for a loan but were turned down. Feeling disheartened, they sought advice from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The SBA representative said their business plan was one of the best he had seen in a long time, and put them in touch with 1st Source Bank.  Our award winning small business loan experts helped them through the application process and their dream began to take shape. In 2016 they opened Fluid Coffee Bar in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana.

“Opening the coffee shop was very scary,” Chuck admits. “People started coming in, and I was taking orders. I was very nervous about it, had no idea if people would even like what we were putting out there. And they did. By the end of the day, we were super happy and very successful.”

Their passion for coffee was matched by their love for art. From the beginning, they wanted Fluid to be a hub for the local art scene.  From decorating with artwork from local artists to hosting performing art and spoken word, they dedicated themselves to making it a community affair. Their dedication paid off, and the business flourished.

As their children grew interested in the family business, Alison and Chuck decided to expand. They opened a roasting lab in Michigan City and continued to grow with the support of 1st Source Bank. Today, they have six locations in Porter County, LaPorte County, and Crown Point.

“1st Source has provided us the funds that we’ve needed,” Alison says. “Everybody that asks me or tells me their ideas for their small business, I always recommend 1st Source. I really do.”

Chuck echoes her sentiment, emphasizing the importance of their partnership with the bank. “Our partnership with 1st Source was crucial. They’ve just really made Fluid, Fluid. We wouldn’t be here to support our community, to support the arts, to support our family if it weren’t for 1st Source.”

Alison and Chuck’s journey from a shared dream to a thriving business is a testament to their dedication and the power of community support. Fluid Coffee Bar is not just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee; it’s a vibrant part of the local culture, thanks to the couple’s unwavering commitment and the backing of 1st Source Bank.

Are you planning or growing a small business?  Let’s make things a latte easier for you. Explore our small business resources or contact us today!”