Rising coffee prices a jolt for local businesses

PEORIA HEIGHTS -
Santiago de la Cruz has her own business, but has not given himself a steady paycheck since December.
The owner of 23 years of age, Leaves N 'Beans Roasting Co., 4800 N. Prospect Road, said he cash out of the register from time to time to buy dinner, but that's it.
It is partly because he desperately wants to expand its business.
"I have a family to support," he said. "So I prefer to live in a cardboard box for a couple of years for this company look good."
But trying to deal with the rising cost of coffee, which recently reached a 14-year high and has led to Starbucks Corp. meets with the price of a pack of 12 ounces of coffee for a dollar. Local prices of the drinks have gone up - yet - but has to buy coffee in the bag.
"Now, even the cost of Indian coffee shit about Ethiopian coffee as much as half a year expensive," said Scott Elledge, owner of Copper River Coffee & Tea, 2535 W. War Memorial Drive.
"It's all due to speculation," said Cruz. "Investors assume that they will pay more for coffee."
For now, both the Cross and Elledge are absorbing most of the damage themselves. Have raised their prices for coffee by the pound, but are delaying the extent that you can start the price of drinks.
"Prices have increased for milk, gas, everything," said Elledge. "I'd hate for (customers) to go to a coffee shop and have their mocha be much more as well."
Cross plans to launch slightly higher prices for drinks late spring, but hopes to keep prices low by opening a new store in Mendoza next month and, of course, living in a cardboard box.
Elledge is trying to avoid an increase, but understands that it may be inevitable.
"If there comes a point where I have to change, of course I will change," he said. "I want to have an instinctive reaction and only raise prices."
The increase has been almost suddenly. Cruz said she bought N Leaves' beans two years ago, the price paid for coffee has tripled due to increased demand and reduced supply.
"Some third world countries are becoming development, and more people (worldwide) can afford a $ 4 latte," he said, adding that 2009 also set back the industry with an exceptionally dry season produces only 60 percent the amount of coffee as usual.
Susie Grana of Peoria, who drinks two cups of coffee a day, has also noticed a steady increase in prices, but it will not deter her yet.
"People who drink every day are not going to stop," he said. "It's not that bad yet."