13 years after our founders met over a cup of coffee, 1 year after the “breaking ground” event, after 9 months of construction, and two days after our soft-opening on Veterans Day, the HAS HEART Coffee Shop is officially OPEN for business within the historic building on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included words from Richard App, the City’s retail, retention & attraction specialist, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, City Manager Mark Washington, president & CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Tim Kelly, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation director David Marquardt, and Rep. Carol Glanville who presented HAS HEART’s co-founders, Michael and Tyler a legislative proclamation.
It’s hard to believe we’re now OPEN after months and months and months of construction delays. Despite the challenges, we couldn’t be happier to finally open our doors. Already, we’ve built an incredible community, have gotten to know several regulars, and have witnessed the impact of bringing the veteran and civilian worlds together on a daily basis.
Our hours (to start) will be:
- Monday: 7AM-2PM
- Tuesday: 7AM-2PM
- Wednesday: 7AM-2PM
- Thursday: 7AM-2PM
- Friday: 7AM-2PM
- Saturday: 8AM-2PM
We’re not the only ones excited about opening. The local media has been generous in sharing our story and mission. Here is a growing list of the coverage received so far:
City of Grand Rapids: “Veteran-operated coffee shop opens at Veterans Memorial Park“
El Informado: “Veterano y artista abren cafeteria Tiene Corazon en GR“
Grand Rapids Magazine: “Veteran-run coffee shop opens in downtown“
Eight West [WoodTV8]: “Coffee with a mission“
WoodTV8: “New coffee shop gives back to veterans“
WoodTV8: “Veteran-run coffee shop opens in downtown Grand Rapids“
WZZM-13 ABC: “Veteran-operated coffee shop opens in historic Grand Rapids building“
MLive: “HAS HEART coffee shop opens in Grand Rapids“
FOX 17: “Coffee shop run by veterans opens in downtown Grand Rapids“
Crains Grand Rapids: “Nonprofit Grand Rapids coffee shop blends passion for veterans, art“
WGRD 97.9: “HAS HEART Coffee Shop supporting and employing veterans now open in Grand Rapids“
None of this would be possible without the help of several partners, organizations, foundations, and individual contributors, including:
Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
Downtown Development Authority
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Pfeiffer-Lincoln Foundation
Michigan Arts & Culture Council
Anonymous Donor
For more updates, be sure to follow HAS HEART on Instagram and Facebook, sign-up for our newsletter, and bookmark the Coffee Shop page for more info over the coming months.
