Tucked away near the intersection of Second Street and Lincoln Highway sits “DeKalb’s Finest Coffee” stand.

Over the past two and a half years the stand has been owned and managed off and on by a few different owners. Currently, DeKalb resident Chadwick Whitney is the owner and manager of the Flying Bean.

Years ago, it was the hangout spot for those leaving the bars downtown, said Jennifer Groce, the executive director of the downtown revitalization group Re:New DeKalb, Inc. The building itself has been around for at least 30 years, said Groce.

“It’s been a popcorn stand and a hot dog stand,” Groce said. “It has always been a small entrepreneurial walk-up business.”

DeKalb has several coffee shops that serve numerous types of coffee. Whitney believes it is his brewing style that sets the Flying Bean apart.

“My knowledge of the coffee is my special secret,” Whitney said. “It’s never bitter, but it’s super strong.”

DeKalb resident Meghan Van Ham agrees with Whitney.

“I’m not really big on coffee, but when I do want a cup, I come here,” Van Ham said. “There’s just something different about it.”

The Flying Bean is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to noon.

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