The decision has been made and the search is on for what is being called "another star on the Biggby Nation flag." Tara Walston is a bundle of energy waiting to recreate the magic that she and her partner Kim Zdybel have unleashed on Michigan's Great Southwest through their Biggby Coffee franchise in South Haven. They confirmed this weekend with Biggby corporate officials from Lansing that their second Biggby franchise will be in the Benton Harbor area and will "absolutely include a drive-thru" service.
The two entrepreneurs opened their first coffee shop with the crew from Biggby last spring, setting up shop in a new mini shopping center near the corner of Blue Star Highway & Phoenix Street built by Joe Wiltgen of South Haven. That site, at 330 Blue Star Highway, has been a huge hit since conducting their grand opening on April 19th.
The South Haven Biggby is located across from Walgreens, but the new site in Benton Harbor is still in the research phase. In fact, Tara tells me that the new coffee shop could still be more than a year into the future depending on how their search goes as they try to "pinpoint the absolute best location" in the area. One thing is certain, however, and that is inclusion of a drive-thru service. Tara says, "Guaranteed — 100-percent — will will have drive-thru service."
When they chose South Haven for their first Biggby franchise, Tara told reporters, "We wanted to bring Biggby to South Haven not only because of the amazing lakeshore community, but also to break that long stretch of highway between Chicago and Grand Rapids. That deserves a coffee break." Looks like there are plans for a refill before you make your way to the state line.
On the Biggby Nation site, Tara is also quoted as saying, "The opportunity to have fun, spread smiles, and share our passion for coffee is a wonderful thing!"
Tara told me this morning they are very excited to continue to build on their business model, and look forward to serving an even wider population in Michigan's Great Southwest with their plans for a Benton Harbor shop. As her research continues…stay tuned for more on the future Biggby Coffee of Benton Harbor.
In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market, Tara Walston is shown on the left while her partner Kim Zdybel is on the right. Between them is Abby Bartse from the home office of Biggby in Lansing.
