After facing the imminent closure of Black Iron Coffee Roasters on Grand River Ave last December, owner Kevin Ridge was heartened by the swift interest shown by potential buyers and partners eager to preserve the beloved establishment.
Among them were Jason and Teresa Koch of Marion Township, who felt a deep connection to the shop and its community presence. “The shop’s always been special to us,” Jason shared. “It’s a local business we want to support.”
The Kochs, whose daughters have worked at Black Iron, expressed their admiration for the business Ridge and his wife Darcie had built. They regularly purchased coffee beans for home brewing and appreciated the shop’s unique ambiance. Teresa emphasized that the outpouring of support from the community spurred their decision to explore saving the shop.
Ridge, known for his artisan craft coffee sourced from small batches worldwide, acknowledged the financial strain that led to the shop’s closure. “E-commerce and expanding our wholesale offerings are crucial for our restructuring,” he noted, outlining plans to sustain the business moving forward.
The closure also meant Ridge had to devote more time to the shop after losing his job as a college instructor. Despite these challenges, Ridge remains committed to Black Iron, stating, “I want the community to understand we are fully invested in this place.”
With a reduced staff, including his returning daughter Megan who will manage the kitchen, Ridge has set hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, temporarily focusing on baked goods over hot foods.
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers welcoming the shop’s recent reopening at the Howell Farmers Market. Looking ahead, Black Iron plans a grand reopening event on June 21, featuring live music by Darwin Mamassian.
As Black Iron Coffee Roasters prepares to write its next chapter, the support from loyal patrons like the Kochs underscores a hopeful future for this local gem.