A new Biggby Coffee shop is expected to open its doors in Sheffield Lake within the next few weeks, marking an exciting addition to the community.
Mary Nowak, who, along with her late husband Charles “Chuck” Nowak, discovered the coffee chain during a visit to Ottawa Airport near Marblehead, was inspired to pursue a franchise after enjoying their beverages. “Boy, this is really good coffee,” she recalled. “The coffee is great and that’s really what got us. It’s just darn good coffee.”
The couple selected a location at 4100 E. Lake Road, which is nearing completion of renovations required for the new shop. “It took a while to get a location and go through the paperwork,” Nowak explained.
Tragically, Charles Nowak passed away on July 22, a loss Mary described as the “worst pain” she had ever experienced. Nevertheless, she resolved to continue with their shared dream of opening the coffee shop.
After working with several contractors who proved unreliable—due to issues ranging from lack of diligence to legal troubles—Nowak eventually found MEK Construction of Westlake. “He’s just doing a fantastic job,” she said of the contractor. “He has an eye for detail and I really appreciate that.”
The building had been vacant for six years, leading to significant disrepair of its water and sewer systems, which were not properly winterized. “We could not use a single waterline,” Nowak stated, highlighting the challenges faced during renovations.
Despite the delays extending the construction timeline, Nowak is optimistic about the shop’s opening. “We’re probably looking at opening in two to three weeks,” she confirmed.
With eight years of experience serving the Clearview Local School District as treasurer, chief financial officer, and business manager, Nowak has overseen numerous construction projects and is well-prepared for this endeavor.
Initially, she plans to host a soft opening to train staff, followed by a grand opening celebration. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will also be held, with Sheffield Lake and Sheffield Village mayors invited, alongside members of the public.
While a manager will oversee daily operations and staff hiring, Nowak intends to be actively involved at the shop. “I surely want to become an integral member of our community and work toward making Biggby Coffee a household name,” she expressed. “I want the coffee shop to be a place where people come together.”
In a heartfelt tribute, a memorial banner honoring Charles Nowak will greet customers at the entrance, while a banner for her father, William Gresco, will be displayed over the drive-through area. “I have to thank the mayor (Rocky Radeff) and the city officials for that,” she added, acknowledging the community’s support.
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