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Business owners who offer safe spaces to their local LGBTQ communities in downstate Illinois discuss what these spaces mean to people in the current political environment.

Jeff Thomas-Wilhelm and Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm shows ciLiving host, Jaclyn Friedlander how to make one of their signature seasonal beverages and veggie humus supreme bagel sandwich.

In summer 2023, while sailing through the icy waters of Alaska, Jeffrey and Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm had a vision. A cozy, welcoming cafe where members of the Champaign-Urbana community could feel at home, sip coffee and enjoy fresh, warm bagels. That Alaskan cruise planted a seed, and back in C-U, the idea of Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar started to take shape. So, they decided to take a leap of faith.

Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar opened its doors on Dec. 18, 2024, bringing its farmers market favorites to a dedicated storefront. Located on South Philo Road in Urbana, Good Judys has become a popular addition to the Champaign-Urbana café scene. Locally owned and operated, this new establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere where comfort and community can unite over one common interest: bagels.

Eating at Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar supports a local success story. To read their story about making bagel dreams come true, go to Good Judys’ website and enjoy owners Dakota and Jeff Thomas-Wilhem’s account of how an Alaskan cruise turned into opening Urbana’s Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar, located at The Pines on Philo Road.

It’s hard to imagine that a business can go from making their first sale in January to opening their own brick and mortar by year’s end, but Good Judys Bagels did it. Co-owners Jeffrey and Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm will officially open C-U’s first bagel bar next week with a menu of bagels, bagel sandwiches, and café drinks.

Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar will open in Urbana on December 18th, in the space that was previously Namken Nutrition. The new bagel café’s menu includes Good Judys popular hand-crafted bagels, of course, plus hot beverages, cold drinks, and bagel sandwiches.

For Jeff and Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm, the idea of starting their own coffee shop was intriguing, but with several already in the area, they had to answer a crucial question: what would make theirs different?

Good Judys’ Bagels, the popular vendor at area farmers markets, is planning to open a brick-and-mortar store at The Pines in Urbana. It will fulfill a longtime goal of co-owner Jeff Thomas-Wilhelm, who shoved aside any obstacles — including a lack of experience in the food service industry — to reach the brink of opening a storefront with husband and co-owner Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm.

Champaign, Ill. (WCIA) — From Good Judys’ Bagels:

At Good Judys’ Bagels, we channel the vibrant essence of Good Judy into every detail of the artisanal bagel haven. Just as a Good Judy embodies loyalty, warmth, and a sense of belonging, we aspire to create a community where our patrons are not just customers but cherished friends.

Good Judys' Bagels, Champaign-Urbana's new hit bagel business, will open a storefront this fall. 

Good Judys' Bagels is new to the Champaign-Urbana food scene, but already the bagel business has quickly become a popular market stand.

New small bakery Good Judys' Bagels sells delicious bagels in a variety of flavors on Saturdays at Urbana's Market at the Square.