GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It's opening day for a long-awaited coffee shop taking over a historic building in Grand Rapids' Veterans Memorial Park.
HAS HEART coffee shop cut the red ribbon on the front steps of 22 Sheldon Avenue NE Monday.
On top of lattes and cappuccinos, the nonprofit organization is focused on veterans and artists in the community. They're actively hiring and training veterans and their partners to help operate the shop.
The idea for HAS HEART, ironically, started over a cup of coffee.
It all began in 2010, when eight-year Navy vet Michael Hyacinthe and artist/designer Tyler Way began working together. The two created ArtPrize exhibits connecting vets and artists, filling otherwise unoccupied spaces around Grand Rapids. That includes the building that would soon become theirs.
“We now have the opportunity with the HAS HEART Coffee Shop to honor veterans and their sacrifices on a daily basis,” said Hyacinthe. “To be able to do so in a beautiful historic building that opens to the park’s monuments featuring the names of local men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms is extremely meaningful for us. We’re honored to activate this space to build community and bring others together.”
Hyacinthe and Way hope the shop connects veterans with designers to allow them to creatively tell their stories and heal.
“Having personally witnessed the power of our HERO[series] creative collaborations between each veteran and designer pairing over the past 10+ years, I’m looking forward to welcoming the public into our space where political differences, income discrepancies, and stereotypes can be left behind so that honest, genuine, and relationship-building conversations can happen over a premium cup of coffee and a freshly made Field & Fire baked good,” Way said.
It's good for vets, and good for the area, city leaders say.
“What a fitting space for fostering community connection with our veterans living in Grand Rapids,” said Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation director David Marquardt. “We’re excited to embark on this partnership to enhance visitor experience at such an important downtown park space.”
“DGRI is thrilled to celebrate the opening of HAS HEART at Veterans Memorial Park,” said Tim Kelly, president & CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. “Michael and Tyler have been amazing partners, and seeing the vision come to life in time to celebrate Veterans Day is a timely and incredible achievement. We’re honored to support this effort and look forward to enjoying some great coffee and unique art in this beautiful, newly activated space.”
Renovations to 22 Sheldon Avenue started last year and included structural and accessibility improvements, indoor and outdoor seating, a retail space and art display areas to highlight local veteran artists.
It took $916,000 to bring new life to the building, organizers say. The Downtown Development Authority contributed $166,000 and HAS HEART brought $250,000.
HAS HEART is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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