"I note that AJ Kim and Scott Sohn founded Kumquat Coffee in Highland Park and that opening Fondry a block away was a deliberate choice—Kim lives nearby, dislikes commuting, and wanted to grow the company’s footprint in a community they were already part of. I see the same crowds coming in day after day at Kumquat, and pastries from Fondry are available there on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Kim says he’s mindful of the neighborhood’s changing dynamics and strives to keep prices more accessible than other shops to bring value to the area." - Rebecca Roland