A Look Inside The New Keweenaw Coffee Works

It was the Summer of 2013 when Nate and Valerie Baciak opened Keweenaw Coffee Works on 5th street in Calumet.

With a great response from the community, their operation has continued to grow and eventually required the couple to expand.

Valerie Baciak said, “Our old location was 600 square feet, so it was a pretty tiny operation, even though we were supporting 36 wholesalers.

In the early days of operation, the company roasted around 18 pounds of coffee beans per hour, and last year upgraded to a larger roasting machine that was capable of increasing that capacity by more than five times. The company has once again expanded, this time into a new facility.

“Our new location is about 5,000 square feet and includes our coffee and extraction bar as well as seating for about 50 guests,” said Baciak.

That new location opened recently just a few blocks down the street from their previous location and customers have been showing their support one cup at a time.

“The reception has been really great. Our customers seem to really enjoy being able to experience the coffee in the way that we brew it here. Certainly our customers have been enjoying the beans for over five years now, but it’s nice to be able to make espresso drinks and cold brew and feature the product in the way that we feel highlights each individual bean best,” she said.

With a full time barista on site, flavor is just one of the highlights. Bubba demonstrates his artistic abilities in every latte he makes.  This cup features three hearts that morph with every sip. And he’s also been known to create bears and other creatures in his artwork.

Artwork has its own place in the company, from the decor of the new shop to the packages that the company sells.

Baciak said, “We highlight local artist on many of our labels. We’re also roasting the beans in a way which is perhaps a little bit different from what some of the other folks are doing.”

The company distributes its brand to over 3 dozen retailers across the state.

“We are primarily a wholesale and production facility, as well as supporting our own coffee bar,” said Baciak.

The new location is open daily at 113 5th Street in Calumet and continues to celebrate its five year anniversary with a new blend.

Baciak said, “We’re featuring our five year celebration coffee so that’s a limited edition. It’s quite an excellent coffee.”