Caption: Odosa Imasuen ’25 was one of the student recipients of a free drink voucher from The Drink Shop.

From Lotus energy drinks to “True Blue” creations inspired by the Hilltop, the shop has become a favorite for Illinois College students looking for a fast caffeine boost between classes or on the way to practice. 

Nearly 90% of Kestner’s employees are IC students, making the shop both a hangout and a stepping stone. “They’re the heart of who I love to hire,” she says. 

The connection runs deeper than jobs. Each fall, The Drink Shop donates free drink tickets to new students, a small gesture that makes a big impact. 

With a second Jacksonville location opening soon, Kestner credits Illinois College for fueling her business’s growth: “The students and the College are such a big part of who we are and why we do what we do.” 

In Jacksonville, local businesses like The Drink Shop and Illinois College share a unique bond: working together to fuel opportunity, connection, and community spirit.