After nearly a year of vacancy, the café space at Milwaukee’s Red Arrow Park is getting a new tenant. Biggby Coffee, a Midwest franchise, plans to open its doors at 920 N. Water St. around Thanksgiving, according to Joe Mrozinski, Milwaukee County Parks assistant director of business services. This timing aligns perfectly with the park’s popular Slice of Ice winter skating season.
Transition from Starbucks to Biggby Coffee
Biggby Coffee will take over the space previously occupied by Starbucks, which had been a staple in the park for nearly 20 years before its closure at the end of November. Following the Starbucks shutdown, Milwaukee County Parks officials provided skaters with hot chocolate, coffee, and treats while actively searching for a new vendor. Biggby Coffee was selected after a “competitive bid process,” as confirmed by Mrozinski.
Renovations Underway
Renovation work on the café began in late September. Mrozinski noted that the space is undergoing a “nice refresh” to match the welcoming atmosphere found in other Biggby Coffee locations.
Local Ownership and Expansion Plans
The new Biggby Coffee shop will be owned by Milwaukee natives Keith Washington and Curtis Grace. The duo also operates a Biggby Coffee in Franklin, located at 7700 S. Lovers Lane Road #100, and plans to launch another location in Cudahy at 5861 S. Packard Ave. after experiencing construction delays. Additionally, there is another Biggby Coffee shop in Waukesha, but it is owned by different proprietors.
About Biggby Coffee
Founded in East Lansing, Michigan, in 1995, Biggby Coffee has grown to nearly 400 locations across the United States. Wisconsin has several branches, including stores in Wausau, Sheboygan, Appleton, Green Bay, and Marshfield. The café’s menu features a variety of items, including lattes, hot chocolate, cold brew coffee, smoothies, and ready-to-go food options like breakfast sandwiches, cookies, muffins, and bagels.
Hours of Operation
Mrozinski indicated that the Red Arrow Park Biggby Coffee location will operate during all hours that the ice rink is open, and it will also have year-round hours outside the skating season. The addition of Biggby Coffee is expected to enhance the park’s offerings and provide a new gathering spot for the community.
Related topics:
- Nick’s Breakfast & Coffee Franchise Costs, Profit & Requirements For 2024
- Buttercups Coffee Franchise Costs, Profit & Requirements For 2024
- The Dogwood Coffee Franchise Costs, Profit & Requirements For 2024