Neighborhood Brew

At the Neighborhood Brew, coffee is not meant for customers in a hurry. Instead, a drink at the Brew is a chance to take a break and relax with friends.

“After we moved to this neighborhood we realized there is no place here to just sit and visit with your neighbors, with your friends or your family,” said Michelle Grossmann, who runs the coffee shop with her husband, Craig.

Craig and Michelle opened the Neighborhood Brew in November 2013. They had never owned a restaurant before, but they wanted to create a place to “get out of the craziness that just keeps us running ragged and just have somewhere to come and sit and have a cup of coffee or bottle of beer or glass of wine.”

In addition to coffee, beer and wine, the Brew also serves smoothies, chai tea, pastries, flatbreads and chips with salsa or hummus. The Grossmanns intend to add a panini bar in the summer, but the food is only a small part of their business plans.

“We’re never going to be focused on the food, but we’re always going to be focused on the drinks and the community and the neighborhood,” Michelle said.

The Brew is host to a variety of customers, from high school study groups and business meetings to stay-at-home mothers and people stopping by for a post-dinner drink. Through small details, the Grossmanns have created a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through their doors. Drinks are served out of glasses and ceramic mugs rather than paper or plastic cups, and each customer’s order is brought to their table instead of being served at the counter. One corner of the shop, designated the “Living Room,” has a couch and a fireplace.

“We just want to make people feel like they can sit all day if they want,” Michelle said. “I think we’re just trying to cater to the people that took time out of their day to come in and get comfortable. We just want to acknowledge and appreciate them.”

While the Brew is still a young business, the Grossmanns are finding ways to get involved with their community. They sponsored the Frostbite 5K in February and have started hosting Thursday open mic nights and live music on Saturdays. Their goal is to see the Neighborhood Brew become known as a leisurely place for a good drink and a good time.

“It’s bringing people together that’s the most enjoyable. Just making them happy. We’re here to make the customer happy,” Craig said. “They’re coming in and you have that opportunity to brighten their day if they’re having a down day or keep them going.”

“It has helped us grow. It has helped bring people together,” Michelle said. “It’s just so nice, and I think we forget about that in our crazy lives.”