The TV version of what was called Mel’s Diner was basically, just that — a diner and not much else. The real life version we have in our midst — Mel’s Cafe & Deli — has become quite the business enterprise for owner Darlene Kuhens who has evolved the small business along M-139 north of Berrien Springs into a multi-faceted business ready to serve in a multitude of ways. It’s her most recent addition that it grabbing attention however, as she has entered the CBD, or cannabidiol, business in earnest.
Darlene tells me her interest in that rapidly rising sector stemmed from the trials and tribulations of her best friend. As she tells it, “I became interested in CBD products when my best friend, who suffers from MS, was taking all kinds of medication for pain and anxiety.” She adds, “I was afraid for the long term effects of the pharmaceutical drugs she was taking, so I checked out what CBD was providing for others.”
When Darlene’s friend began taking CBD products, often referred to simply as cannabis oil products, and her attitude and condition changed, that struck a chord in Kuhen’s entrepreneurial mind, and spurred an interest in adding CBD products into the lineup at Mel’s as a source for Southwest Michigan.
Darlene says, “After looking at several options I teamed up with a Michigan based CBD company because it can be really confusing to determine what kind of products to buy and what not to buy.” She admits, “I am a Michigan gal so I stuck with what I know is best, and the company I choose seemed to be more concerned about making a great product than just making money.”
That’s how it all began last December (2018) when her Southwest Michigan CBD (SWMCBD) was launched. Darlene says, “I have seen so many people’s lives change with the use of CBD, including my best friend. She not only used CBD to overcome the effects of any withdrawals from getting off the medication, she now doesn’t take any controlled medication at all.”
The new Southwest Michigan CBD sector of Mel’s Cafe & Deli at 6770 M-139 carries CBD oils, drops, gummies, salves and soft gels, and could become an independent business entirely if she continues to grow the enterprise.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the house, Mel’s Cafe & Deli is mostly a “Grab and Go” type of business, wherein many people call in on the way to work and they then have it ready when they swing by. There are a couple tables and there’s a bar area to sit in, but not like a restaurant as such. Mel’s also sells deli meats and cheeses by the pound and they make all of their sandwiches, wraps and panini’s fresh to order. Additionally, all of their smoothies are made with fresh or frozen fruit with no added sugars, unless you want it sweetened or want protein added.
Mel’s also sells Albanese candy by the pound, and at her full espresso bar, she features the coffees and espressos of Uncommon Grounds Roasters, and in her espresso drinks and frappe’s she uses exclusively Ghirardelli Chocolate products.
Mel’s can also handle the dispatch and receipt of MoneyGrams and they sell Lottery tickets.
Anlther service provided by the interesting conglomeration at Mel’s — they also are a pay station for bill payments, to utilities such as AEP, AT&T, Verizon, Michigan Gas Utilities, Comcast, Semco, and “100’s of others,” according to Darlene.
You’ll also find tanning beds in the house alongside tanning lotions “at great prices.”
If that’s not enough things for you take care of in one location, Kuhens also operates her Add A Space Storage enterprise next to Mel’s. Found at 6764 M-139, Add A Space Storage features mini-storage buildings and outdoor storage for cars, boats and recreational vehicles. Additionally, they are an authorized U-Haul dealer, and they sell boxes and other packing and moving supplies.
Darlene Kuhens is a lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan and has worked for herself for years. She works diligently to get in a workout at least six days a week in preparation for the Steelhead Triathlon at Jean Klock Park this summer as well as the new Ironman 70.3 in Traverse City.
With two sons aged 15 and 17, all that running, and all those businesses to run, Darlene admits it can be tough “fitting it all in,” but notes, “I love my customers, my new venture with CBD, and I am blessed to be a strong enough person and have the support group I have to pull it all off.”
Darlene suggests you stop by on your journey some day. She says, “I always hear from people when they stop in for the first time, ‘OMG I never knew this was all here and I have been just driving by for years.'” You, too, will likely find something you never knew existed in our corner of the world.
