Bruce & Ollie's is expanding beyond its original Utica storefront, with plans for a second, drive-thru-only cafe planned near the intersection of Route 6 and IL 178 on the city's south side. Co-owner Jen Cetwinski hopes to have it open around March or April 2027, though the timeline reflects her own goal rather than a locked-in date.
A New Cafe Concept Without the Counter
As reported by WhatNow, the new spot will operate purely as a drive-thru, serving coffees, teas, energy drinks and ice cream, along with protein balls. The concept is being pitched as a cheaper alternative to the original shop, with less expensive food options planned for the new location. An exact street address has not yet been released, and the outlet notes the full menu will be shared closer to opening.
The proposed site sits on Utica's south side near Ano Del Gallo Bar and Grill, in a stretch of town that also includes Bear Island Bar & Grill and Treetops Cafe, according to the same report. The proposal is for a drive-thru offering coffee and ice cream in that part of town.
What's on the Menu at the Original Shop
Bruce & Ollie's currently operates out of the Bickerman building, where its existing menu includes espressos, americanos and cappuccinos alongside breakfast casseroles, breakfast sandwiches, everything bagels, muffins and pastries. The shop also serves French dip sandwiches, salads and soups, giving the south-side drive-thru a built-in template to work from even as its own offerings take shape.
That Bickerman building has its own local history. Back in 2022, shawlocal.com reported that Dan Stash sought to open a nano-brewery called Ginger Road behind Bruce & Ollie's ice-cream shop at 166 Mill St. The Utica Planning Commission recommended approval of the brewery, the report noted at the time.
