Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Fellow Coffee Lovers,

We’re reaching out to share some challenging news about Beyond Borders Cafe, but also with hope and gratitude for the incredible community that surrounds us.

On January 12, 2026, at 2:30 am, our beloved cafe in downtown Flossmoor suffered extensive damage when a vehicle collided with the building, forcing us to close our doors indefinitely. The impact has compromised the structure’s safety, leaving us unable to welcome you in for your favorite brews and bites.

Compounding the heartbreak, the emergency response involved fire extinguishers that unfortunately contaminated our entire stock of perishable goods—fresh coffee beans from around the globe, delicious food items, syrups, and prepped ingredients. Everything had to be discarded, adding to the sudden financial burden on our small business and dedicated team.

Since opening our doors in 2025, owners Jen and Chris Zarozny have poured their hearts, souls, and countless hours into transforming an empty space into a vibrant hub of connection. Beyond Borders Cafe isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s where friends gather over exotic roasts, savor seasonal delights, enjoy live music, and share stories that bridge cultures and build bonds. It’s the heartbeat of our neighborhood, and we’ve cherished every moment of serving you alongside them.

We want to be clear: Jen and Chris didn’t ask us to write this or start this campaign—we’re doing it because we believe in what they’ve built and want to help get us all back on our feet. Right now, they are navigating a lengthy insurance claims process, but time is of the essence. We need to clear debris, deep-clean the space, reinforce the structure, kickstart repairs, restock our inventory, and get back to what we love most: opening our doors to you. Each day we’re closed feels like a piece of our community is missing, and we’re determined to reopen stronger and safer than ever.

That’s where you come in. This GoFundMe campaign is our lifeline to cover these immediate recovery costs while we work through the red tape. Your generous donation—no matter the size—will help us rebuild and reunite our community sooner. If giving isn’t possible right now, sharing this message far and wide or offering resources like volunteer help or supplies would mean the world to us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, your unwavering support, and your faith in Beyond Borders Cafe. Together, we’ll rise above this setback and create even more unforgettable moments.

We’re holding everyone affected by this incident in our thoughts and prayers.

With deepest appreciation,

The Beyond Borders Cafe Team