ROWSTER New American Coffee in Grand Rapids moves to larger space to accommodate retail customers

Sharon Hanks

ROWSTER New American Coffee has moved to larger digs at 632 Wealthy St. SE, allowing the wholesaler to now serve retail customers interested in a new experience, viewing the coffee-making process, and tasting the results.

"We felt that it'd be good to have a retail outlet to have the opportunity to showcase the coffee the way we think is best," says owner Kurt Stauffer. "People can come in, smell and taste it the way that really does justice to the coffee."

The 1,000-square-foot business is located in the former Sevens building.  Built in 1896, the renovated building now features a bar retrieved from a former Rockford bowling alley that can seat 15. Stauffer expects to open possibly this week, with hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday to start.

The roastery will offer coffee beans from about 12 different origins, including those from Africa, Central America and South America. Stauffer says he tries to buy beans from small family farms that are earth friendly and attentive to the details of processing, handling, harvesting and shipping the beans.

In addition to coffee, ROWSTER's will sell coffee-making equipment, such as coffee grinders, brewers, filters and other supplies. He also will sell custom printed porcelain Italian demitasse sets for "the perfect way to enjoy expresso or high-quality coffee."

Prices will start at $2.50 for a small pitcher of hot coffee. A scoop of beans, almost 12 ounces., will start at $7.95. Expresso-based "cold coffee" drinks brewed with an old-fashioned lever machine will also be available. More details can be found at ROWSTER'S Facebook page.

Stauffer started the business in February 2008 at 910 Cherry St. SE behind the Richard App gallery, selling coffee beans and accessories to local restaurants and retailers.

Source: Kurt Stauffer, owner of ROWSTER New American Coffee in Grand Rapids

Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.