The Ray Café and Coffeehouse
About Us

The Ray Café and Coffeehouse is the creation of Randy Papineau owner of Aqueous Ideas, Inc. Aqueous Ideas, Inc. is “Your Waterscape Specialist”., specializing in water gardening, pond building or aquarium services. Randy’s mission statement is to instill nature awareness in people through the conscientious creation and maintenance of naturalistic aquatic features that not only entertain but enlighten and educate.

As Aqueous Ideas grew, Randy envisioned moving the business out of his home and locate it in a free standing building so that more people could be enlightened and educated. His plan included locating a coffee shop in the building so that his clients could enjoy their favorite drinks and food while enjoying the many aquatic displays. Randy wanted the coffee shop to follow his mission statement of enlightening and educating. Hence you will see coffee education and cupping classes offered.

While Randy was growing his business and working towards realizing his dream, he worked at a local hospital and was a frequent guest at the coffee shop located in the lobby. The shop was owned and managed by Bob Pierce. Bob had been a local entrepreneur in the area for years and had worked with the hospital in developing the coffee shop.

As Randy’s plan was developing, Randy knew that the person he needed to develop his coffee shop was Bob. The two often discussed the idea and Randy told Bob that someday he would be calling to get this venture off the ground.

Years passed, Randy had left the hospital to further grow his business and Bob choose not to renew his contract with the hospital and left to manage an independent coffee shop in the Joliet area.

Then one day Bob’s phone rang and it was his old friend Randy. He was ready to build his building and wanted to see if Bob was still interested in his proposal. The Ray Café and Coffeehouse was born!

The two have worked feverishly to give their community the best coffee shop in the area. With Bob’s industry knowledge and relationships they were able to find the best equipment and products that could be found. They put together a menu to meet the needs of the guests that they will be serving.

Our goal is to offer each guest a great drink, a fantastic snack, and a delicious sandwich. Unlike our competition, we carry a unequaled selection of flavored coffees beans for your enjoyment around the clock. We have access to over 200 flavors, a selection will be brewed daily along with our 100% Columbian. We are committed to excellence!

Stop by and visit The Ray Café and Coffeehouse. We offer free wireless internet plus the opportunity to sit,relax and watch the fish swim by.