Everyone is Welcome
Biggby Coffee Westfield Offers a Relaxed, Community Atmosphere
Writer / Megan Arszman
Photographer / Justin Sicking
A little taste of Michigan opened in Westfield earlier this year when Biggby Coffee opened at the corner of 146th Street and Ditch Road. It was an exciting venture when newlyweds, David and Natalie Clase, decided to bring something special to their beloved city.
Natalie and I had always had an idea that a coffee shop would be a great idea, because we both love coffee, David says. Theres not much variety in our area, so I thought itd be a lot of fun.
When posed with the choice of either starting an independent coffee shop or opening a franchise, the Clases knew that while they know how to run a business, they werent all that familiar with running a coffee shop, so they wanted support from a franchise. In a world that may seem overrun by the larger franchises like Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, Biggby Coffee was started as a way for the community to come together, relax, enjoy unique but scrumptious drinks and have a way to give back to the community. The company believes in giving back, which is highlighted on the company website with a way to request donations. Nonprofits can request items such as products, gift certificates or donations.
When we first opened Biggby Coffee in Lansing, Michigan, so many people helped us open the first shop. I vowed at that moment to always give back, and this is something that manifests itself in our stores day in and day out, says founder Bob Fish on the Biggby Coffee website.
It was that company policy that was just one of the reasons David and Natalie made the decision to bring the unique coffee chain to Westfield.
The values of Biggby Coffee are ones that we share: Be Yourself. Have Fun. Share Great Coffee, Clase says. We promote the idea that everyone is welcome. Even the colors of the shop and how its put together, its designed to be a fun, welcoming place for everyone. We just love the culture of Biggby Coffee.
A director with Indiana Wish, a group that supports Hoosier children with terminal illnesses, Clase is looking forward to uniting his passion for the children with his new business to help. During the grand opening, one dollar from every drink sold went to Prevail, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering victims of crime and abuse. The total donation in one day was $542.
We want to give back, and we want to give back locally, so were looking forward to being a boost in our communitys lives one way or another, Clase says.
The Biggby Coffee menu features not only coffees, teas and treats, but also Biggby Boost Smoothies, which are made with Greek yogurt, and a childrens menu of drinks.
Visit Biggby Coffee 1529 South Waterleaf Drive in Westfield, and follow them on social media: facebook.com/BiggbyWestfield.
