Hi friends, neighbors, and coffee lovers —

My name is Justin, and I’m the owner of Velvet Robot Coffee Lab in Rockford, Illinois. For the past five years, Velvet Robot has been more than just a coffee shop — it’s been a place for creativity, connection, and community. From early-morning regulars and students studying over lattes, to our fun events like the kid raves and fall drink launches, we’ve built something special together.

But like many small local businesses, we’ve been hit hard this year. Rising costs, high rent, and slowing traffic have made it extremely difficult to keep the shop going. Roscoe is still haunting us and we haven't been able to get past that financial speed bump. Despite cutting expenses and working every possible angle, we’re at a critical point — and we need our community’s help to survive.

I’m asking for your support to raise $15,000 to keep Velvet Robot alive.

These funds will go directly toward:

Keeping up with rent and utilities

Supporting our incredible baristas

Restocking supplies for fall & winter drinks

Launching a few new community events to bring people back in

Velvet Robot has always been about people — not just coffee. It’s where first dates happened, where local artists displayed their work, and where kids danced their hearts out at family events. It’s where I’ve met some of the kindest, funniest, and most loyal humans I’ve ever known.

If this place has ever given you a smile, a caffeine boost, or a moment of calm in your day, I’d be incredibly grateful if you’d consider donating — or even just sharing this campaign. Every dollar truly helps.

And because we want to give something back for your kindness, we’re offering a few fun “thank you” gifts:

☕️ $25 — Free drink & your name on our “Wall of Love”

$50 — Velvet Robot mug

$100 — “VIP Robot Card” (5 free drinks)

⚙️ $250 — A custom drink named after you for a week

$500+ — Lifetime “Friend of the Robot” card + invite to a private tasting night

We believe in what Velvet Robot stands for — creativity, kindness, and a killer cup of coffee. With your help, we can keep this little corner of caffeine and community alive for years to come.

Thank you for believing in us, for supporting local, and for keeping the robot running.

❤️

– Justin & the Velvet Robot Team