Where is Bob?

Gourmanding: Best Decaf Coffee: Biggby

2012-01-25T06:09:00.000-05:00

Gourmanding: Best Decaf Coffee: Biggby: There are few harmless adult pleasures as enjoyable as a good cup of coffee. This month in my home coffee maker (the unbeatable Cuisinart ...

Day 219: Biggby Bob Fish and Biggby Coffee

2012-01-10T16:25:00.000-05:00

Day 219: Biggby Bob Fish and Biggby Coffee

BIGGBY by the Lansing Chamber (thanks for the award)

2011-11-28T20:29:00.001-05:00

BIGGBY COFFEE #1 FASTEST-GROWING COFFEE CHAIN IN THE U.S.

2011-11-14T10:57:00.000-05:00

Hi friends, franchisees and coffee lovers,

As CEO of BIGGBY COFFEE, I regularly communicate our brand vision: BIGGBY COFFEE will be the largest specialty coffee franchise chain in the U.S.

This brand vision was created in the late 1990’s when we had less than five stores. I have to admit, there were more than a few skeptics in the crowd when I first presented this aspiration. But over time, it became obvious that this wasn’t just some overly exuberant CEO fantasy. Becoming the largest specialty coffee franchise chain is becoming a fast reality.

CNBC and Technomic Inc. recently named BIGGBY COFFEE the #1 fastest-growing retail coffee chain in the U.S. Although there are larger companies, none are expanding at a faster rate.

I have always understood that our growth rests in the hands of our franchisees, and that if they are happy, then we at BIGGBY COFFEE will be able to achieve our brand vision. Franchise Business Review, a national independent research firm, surveyed 2,000 food service franchisees and ranked BIGGBY COFFEE as a top 30 food service concept in the nation on the basis of franchisee satisfaction.

But the question is, what makes a happy franchisee? In the end and without a doubt – putting culture and concept aside – I think that a happy franchisee is a profitable franchisee. Sounds too simple? Maybe, but the answer always rests in the results. BIGGBY COFFEE approached $50 million in sales last year, and our same-store sales year-over-year are up more than 11 percent.

For over a decade, I have woken up to a cup of Mocha Java and obsessed over our brand vision. Our recent recognitions have been a tremendous honor, and I look forward to the day when BIGGBY COFFEE is named the largest specialty coffee franchise chain in the U.S.

Have a wonderful holiday season,

Bob Fish (AKA BIGGBY Bob)

CEO and Co-Founder of BIGGBY COFFEE

What a great BIGGBY COFFEE location in Fenton MI :)

2011-09-27T15:41:00.000-04:00

BIGGBY COFFEE -- East Lansing, MI and Beyond: Why We Keep Going Back

2011-08-24T08:36:00.002-04:00

Check out this GREAT article written by Deanne Brooke of jsncafe.com

BIGGBY should have simply been given the opportunity to build in MSU Wells Hall

2011-08-19T12:57:00.001-04:00

AS a graduate of the MSU School of Hospitality Business, and as the CEO and a founder of BIGGBY COFFEE, as a Michigan company that has over 20 months of double digit growth, as someone who has never turned down a speaking request at MSU…5-10 a year for no compensations…it is disappointing to never have been asked or been sent a rfp ….ever. Branding? Give me a break !!

Read the full article Starbucks to be built in Wells Hall

BIGGBY COFFEE on Facebook

First Sip of the Day has to B ..... BIGGBY COFFEE

2011-08-05T11:10:00.001-04:00

Biggby Coffee opens in Petoskey

2011-07-16T07:37:00.000-04:00

Biggby Coffee opens in Petoskey: "While the economy hasn't been great to some business owners, we've found one Petoskey man who has opened three businesses since 2007 and his latest, a Biggby Coffee in Petoskey."

BIGGBY COFFEE opens in Petoskey Meijers :)

2011-07-15T16:00:00.001-04:00

Click here for Newsletter from Meijers

Cool Down With A Refeshing Pomaberry Cream Freeze Smoothie From Biggby

2011-07-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Cool Down With A Refeshing Pomaberry Cream Freeze Smoothie From Biggby

Spot Bob Tomorrow Morning from 8-10am!

2011-06-29T09:04:00.002-04:00

All drinks are free tomorrow morning from 8-10am at the Stadium Blvd BIGGBY in Ann Arbor, MI! Read more about it here!

A poem by Ashton, a regular at BIGGBY in Findlay, Ohio!

2011-06-14T09:58:00.003-04:00

Biggby Coffee

I park in my spot in the early hours
As I exit my vehicle, the best aroma falls like showers
I am suddenly aware that I have entered a world of coffee ambrosia
I don’t suppose ya know what I mean.
It’s the aroma of the Biggby Coffee bean!
As I pass by the welcoming glow of the neon, I know too well what is coming
I enter the door to be embraced by rock and exciting drumming
I approach the counter and my troubles I seem to forget
I’ve made it to the counter but I still don’t know what I’m gonna get!
Then the flavor comes to me at a speed that’s frightening
Please ma’am… get me one White Lightning!
As I sit down, I notice the common characters in the room.
A child colors in the lines of a Biggby Bear as a businessman leaves in a zoom.
Do they notice what just happened?
For a short time, they have entered a community united.
They are united by a dull morning now righted!

Thank you for helping BIGGBY COFFEE grow !!

2011-05-24T06:11:00.002-04:00

Our newest location opens today in Howell, 1485 North Michigan Avenue at the intersect of M-59 and D-19.

B-Happy, Have fun, Make friends, Love people....and Drink great coffee !!

Tomorrow 5/10 is the Grand Opening of the newest BIGGBY COFFEE

2011-05-09T21:08:00.002-04:00

Waterford location! 6123 Highland Rd... Just off m-59

Join them for a free... http://bit.ly/mJ5YtA

Yahooo!

Looking forward to Speaking in Howell at the Opera House! May 17th

2011-05-05T15:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.livingstonhr.org/images/LAHRA%20Birthday%20Celebration.pdf

Biggby Coffee receives site plan approval to open drive-thru in Fenton

2011-04-29T14:34:00.002-04:00

Check out this article written by Dana DeFever of The Flint Journal as she talks about BIGGBY COFFEE's return to Fenton, MI!

BIGGBY COFFEE and Michigan :)

2011-04-28T09:40:00.001-04:00

What pie, popcorn, coffee, and muskrat have in common :)

2011-04-08T05:52:00.000-04:00

Mary Roszel - Co-Founder and VP, Biggby Coffee

2011-04-07T06:12:00.002-04:00

Little Pink Book interviews Mary....Great advice :)

Mary Roszel - Co-Founder and VP, Biggby Coffee

BIGGBY COFFEE Opens in Saline MI

2011-04-04T14:26:00.003-04:00

Wow and Yep!

BIGGBY COFFEE will be opening yet another location tomorrow on 6961 E Michigan Ave in Saline, MI.

Rather incredible if I say so myself ...this BIGGBY system just continues to grow and grow. We are having yet another banner year with a twelve month look back on same store sales growth of 11.07% and still no slowdown on new store development.

If you have ever thought about franchising a BIGGBY (or even if you haven't) now seems to be the moment to do it. The investment package is the lowest it's ever been, real estate is more competitive than 4 years ago, and the economy keeps inching up. If you want more info go to franchise info at BIGGBY.com .

BIGGBY COFFEE - BEAR DRINK CONTEST

2011-04-01T05:56:00.001-04:00

Official BIGGBY Coffee Facebook Page

2011-03-23T08:58:00.001-04:00

"Like" it and tell us why you love BIGGBY COFFEE
http://on.fb.me/fApmWB

BIGGBY celebrates 16th anniversary with 99 cent lattes

2011-03-15T06:05:00.003-04:00

BIGGBY celebrates 16th anniversary, by the State News

The East Lansing-based company, Biggby Coffee, is celebrating its 16th birthday today by offering 99-cent tall, sweet and creamy hot drinks all day at participating locations.

Biggby’s founder and CEO Bob Fish opened the first store March 15, 1995.

He also is celebrating the company’s 15th consecutive month of growth, with 2010 being the company’s most successful year to date, according to a company press release.

Biggby has experienced 65 percent growth in sales during the past four years.

The company has expanded to 128 stores throughout six states. Employees at participating locations also will be offering upgraded drinks at reduced prices all day to help celebrate its birthday and to say “thank you” to all customers, according to the release.

Almost FREE -- 99 cent lattes on the March 15th .. plus Teddy Bear and Butter Bear lattes !

2011-03-09T09:17:00.002-05:00

Celebrate Biggby's March Birthday!: wotv.com

5 health reasons to not quit coffee.

2011-03-08T20:22:00.001-05:00

go to original blog post

By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D., Associate Nutrition Editor at EatingWell Magazine

I really like coffee. The morning ritual of brewing a cup, the smell that perks me up before I take a sip and, of course, the flavor all make it my favorite beverage aside from water (water’s delicious!). As a registered dietitian and a nutrition editor for EatingWell Magazine, I know that coffee is fine in moderation. It has lots of antioxidants and is low in calories if you don’t load it up with cream and sugar. Nonetheless, I always feel slightly guilty about drinking it—you know, in a “it’s so good, it must be bad” kind of way.

Which is why I’m always delighted to hear of new reasons that coffee is good for your health...and there are plenty! Over 18,000 studies on coffee have been published in the past few decades, revealing these benefits, many of which Joyce Hendley wrote about in the March/April issue of EatingWell Magazine:

1. It protects your heart: Moderate coffee drinkers (1 to 3 cups/day) have lower rates of stroke than noncoffee drinkers, an effect linked to coffee’s antioxidants. Coffee has more antioxidants per serving than blueberries, making it the biggest source of antioxidants in American diets. All those antioxidants may help suppress the damaging effect of inflammation on arteries. Immediately after drinking it, coffee raises your blood pressure and heart rate, but over the long term, it actually may lower blood pressure as coffee’s antioxidants activate nitric oxide, widening blood vessels.

2. It diverts diabetes: Those antioxidants (chlorogenic acid and quinides, specifically) play another role: boosting your cells’ sensitivity to insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar. In fact, people who drink 4 or more cups of coffee each day may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to some studies. Other studies have shown that caffeine can blunt the insulin-sensitivity boost, so if you do drink several cups a day, try mixing in decaf occasionally.

3. Your liver loves it: OK, so the research here is limited, but it looks like the more coffee people drink, the lower their incidence of cirrhosis and other liver diseases. One analysis of nine studies found that every 2-cup increase in daily coffee intake reduced liver cancer risk by 43 percent. Again, it’s those antioxidants—chlorogenic and caffeic acids—and caffeine that might prevent liver inflammation and inhibit cancer cells.

4. It boosts your brain power: Drinking between 1 and 5 cups a day (admittedly a big range) may help reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as Parkinson’s disease, studies suggest. Those antioxidants may ward off brain cell damage and help the neurotransmitters involved in cognitive function to work better.

5. It helps your headaches: And not just the withdrawal headaches caused by skipping your daily dose of caffeine! Studies show that 200 milligrams of caffeine—about the amount in 16 ounces of brewed coffee—provides relief from headaches, including migraines. Exactly how caffeine relieves headaches isn’t clear. But scientists do know that caffeine boosts the activity of brain cells, causing surrounding blood vessels to constrict. One theory is that this constriction helps to relieve the pressure that causes the pain, says Robert Shapiro, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of neurology and director of the Headache Clinic at the University of Vermont Medical School.

Now, that’s not to say that coffee doesn’t have any pitfalls—it does. Some people are super-sensitive to caffeine and get jittery or anxious after drinking coffee; habitual coffee drinkers usually develop a tolerance to caffeine that eliminates this problem (but they then need the caffeine to be alert and ward off withdrawal headaches). Coffee can also disturb sleep, especially as people age. Cutting some of the caffeine and drinking it earlier in the day can curb this effect. Lastly, unfiltered coffee (like that made with a French press) can raise LDL cholesterol, so use a filter for heart health.

But if you like coffee and you can tolerate it well, enjoy it...without the guilt.

go to original blog post

SPOT BOB - in Dearborn !

2011-02-21T09:51:00.001-05:00

Wow was that busy! Busiest ever actually. Steve was too busy behind the counter to make this picture, but you can see Sue (a BIGGBY operator from Allen Park) in the line. We had a great day.

Spot Bob at Biggby – Get Free Coffee

2011-02-14T16:50:00.001-05:00

Click Here for original DEARBORN FREE PRESS article and some great pictures :)

DEARBORN, Michigan – Any cold morning in February, you’re likely to be greeted with a cheerful smile and a hot cup of coffee at the Biggby Coffee shop on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. Thursday morning, Feb. 17th – Biggby CEO and co-founder Bob Fish will be there encouraging you to try anything on the menu – and he’s paying the tab. Go ahead and order the tallest ”Mellow Mellow” or “Mocha Mocha Chocolate Latte” - because Bob Fish is buying coffee for everyone who shows up on Thursday – Feb. 17th between 8:00 and 10:00 AM.

Steve Swinney - Biggby Coffee Manager and Franchise Owner
Franchise owner Steve Swinney knows many customers by name. He greets customers with a smile and chats about local news while filling orders. The local Biggby outlet on Michigan Avenue (near Military) in Dearborn was opened in the fall of 2010 and has seen a steady growth in regular customers.

The Biggby stores are designed with customer convenience in mind. The store offers free WiFi, and has great seating with plenty of wall outlets to keep your PC running. (More electrical wall outlets than any other coffee shop in Dearborn – from what we can see.)

Comfortable chairs are near the fireplace and a large flat screen TV is viewable from many of the tables. Plenty of free parking is available in the large strip-mall area.

Podcast: We interviewed Steve Swinney in an exclusive Dearborn Free Press podcast. You’ll hear Steve provide details about the Spot Bob promotion and a catch of glimpse of his enthusiastic attitude.

Click the arrow above to listen to the podcast (or download here). Special bonus: the podcast begins with the song “Morning Coffee” by Manolo Camp and ends with a song called (oddly enough) “Double Chocolate Mocha Espresso Coffee Frapacino” by Orb Gettarr.

David Chung runs the cash register while Nicole brews coffee at Biggby Coffee in Dearborn
Biggy CEO Bob Fish frequently travels to various Biggby locations to boost business for the fast growing Michigan based coffee franchise. In a promotion reminiscent of Where’s Waldo, he stops at local Biggby stores to provide free coffee for all the local guests. It provides him an opportunity to chat with customers, “check the pulse” of a community, and talk with local store owners about what’s working (and perhaps diagnose why something might not be working).

Biggby’s core values are clearly evident in the Thursday morning coffee give-away. “Engaging the community – giving is getting. For us, ROI is return on involvement,” Fish said. “We’re in a constant state of give.”

Biggby Coffee CEO Bob Fish recently shared his core values in a report by Crain’s Detroit Business:

Simplicity through systems. Having a system allows a small business to grow big.
Energy, excitement and enthusiasm. All three are equally important.
Faith, confidence and courage. Bob Fish called this one the most important.
Dedication, dependability and desire. There needs to be an insatiable want to improve.
Biggby has 126 stores, 90% of them in Michigan, and the rest in five other states
Click Here for original DEARBORN FREE PRESS article and some great pictures :)

Have fun, B-Happy, Make Friends, Love People....Drink Great Coffee

2011-02-02T14:03:00.003-05:00

Coffee Company Keys on Creativity, Humor, Relationships

Click here for the original article

It’s always amazing to me how the media focuses on what’s wrong with businesses these days. From corrupt CEO’s to declining industries, it’s amazing how the negative stories far outweigh the good.

Here’s a positive story of growth and success that I was fortunate to be a part of. I *spoke at the annual franchise meeting for BIGGBY coffee. It was their 15th anniversary and the Lansing (MI) based company is experiencing a positive growth pattern. I must say that after observing and meeting many people involved within the organization, it doesn’t surprise me a bit that they’re bucking the trend and growing in today’s current economy.

I’d like to share with you three things BIGGBY is doing right that every business can learn from in today’s turbulent and quickly changing economy.

First, they allow creativity to flourish. I noticed before and during the meeting that new ideas were not only encouraged from the franchise owners, but also from the staff and customers. This is not only smart, but essential in a business that’s not only hyper competitive but also full of powerful competitors ranging from brand names such as Starbuck’s and McDonald’s fighting for caffeine loyalty.

Second, the culture is built on fun. What? Customers that actually have fun and enjoy spending money? Yes, in a crowded industry, BIGGBY has positioned itself as the happy place where people enjoy not only going to, but spending money at. From the company’s billboards that tout this message, to unique names for drinks, their culture is built on making people smile and laugh.

In my various travels as a speaker throughout North America and author of several books on the topics of marketing and sales, I can tell you that very few organizations pull this off. Employing humor and fun is a smart marketing strategy on many fronts and it also encourages repeat business, higher word-of-mouth and greater brand loyalty. I’ve often said that if you can get people laughing, you’ll get them buying. BIGGBY hits it out of the park in this area.

Finally, they build relationships with their customers. Yes, I know it sounds obvious, but again, so few businesses do this. I was stunned to see near the podium as I was setting up my notes a stuffed binder full of customer testimonials and comments raving about their favorite employee, drink, or story from their favorite BIGGBY store. I flipped through the thick black binder for several minutes and even mentioned it during my keynote address that this was incredibly powerful evidence that customers are responding favorably and feel great about spending money with the company.

*Mr. Rubleski received a paid honorarium for his keynote address on 8-26-10 in Lansing, MI at the BIGGBY annual franchise meeting

BIGGBY customers are so loyal...this one takes Dog Sled to her favorite location

2011-02-02T13:35:00.001-05:00

Hi Bob!

I took my dog sled out this morning to get my morning coffee at the drive-through, since we have been warned that road conditions are not good for driving. Thought you might like to see these photos. Carlos, the store manager at my favorite Portage franchise, suggested I submit them.

My name is Lxxxxxx. My dogs are Pumpkin and Misha, and they sure love to run! I was glad to be able to get my morning coffee.

Lxxxxxx

Cherry Mocha Kiss (coming Soon)

2011-02-01T05:20:00.000-05:00

Ionia Biggby Coffee took home the award for Best Business to Watch,

2011-02-01T05:14:00.001-05:00

Way to go !!

Citizens win big at annual awards ceremony in Ionia - Ionia, MI - Ionia Sentinel-Standard

Biggby CEO speaks to students

2011-01-27T06:05:00.001-05:00

I had a chance to speak to students at James Madison and the Entrepreneur Assiciation. They were a sharp crowd and I had fun

Biggby CEO speaks to students

Kid-friendly, BIGGBY-approved!

2011-01-19T08:23:00.000-05:00

Here's a new trio of fun latte art etchings from Store 179--or really, etching/drawing hybrids--nice job Abby and Kendra, and thanks for getting the logo so nicely in frame--looks great!

BIGGBY - Reduced Calorie Etching :)

2011-01-14T09:21:00.001-05:00

BIGGBY uses social media to keep customers happy

2011-01-12T10:01:00.001-05:00

Local business uses social media to keep customers happy

NIce .... Reduced Calorie (a BIGGBY exclusive! )

2011-01-12T09:52:00.001-05:00

NICE JOB JAMIE

BIGGBY Jingle Bell 5K (second story) ...Thanks Dave!

2010-12-28T12:01:00.001-05:00

PRM in the News - December 23,2010 from Shelby Tv on Vimeo.

Happy Holidays from the BIGGBY Home Office

2010-12-22T10:38:00.000-05:00

A Tale of Biggby by Bee-KneE

2010-12-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

YIKES !!

Sparty Claus -- BIGGBY COFFEE

2010-12-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

New coffee shop brews up friendly atmosphere

2010-12-06T05:54:00.002-05:00

Daily Press & Argus reporter Frank Konkel at (517) 552-2835 or at fkonkel@gannett.com

East Lansing-based Biggby Coffee opened a new store in Hartland Township last month, and the owners want everyone to know it's a place "where everybody knows your name."

Like the acclaimed television show "Cheers," husband-and-wife team Mike and Denise Bogues aim to provide more than just coffee connoisseur-worthy drinks at Hartland's Biggby Coffee — now the company's third store in Livingston County.
The store is east of U.S. 23 at 11325 W. M-59.

"We found a lot of the kids in the neighborhood don't have a place to go, they don't know where to hang out, and they're so dependent on texting that the art of conversation is dying," said Mike Bogues, a former software designer.
Together with his wife — who teaches math at Hartland High School — they have two teenage children.

"They don't know what to do with themselves, and we thought we'd take care of that little problem," Mike Bogues said. "We wanted to have a place where everyone knows your name."

So far, he said, the feedback has been "unbelievable," with many customers already forming a first-name relationship with staff. With both children in college, he will handle managing the store, in addition to working toward a master's degree at Cleary University. Denise Bogues will continue to teach and pitch in at the store after the school day ends.

The store features free wireless Internet access and numerous hot and cold drink options, including hits like the Teddy Bear and Caramel Marvel. It also serves several variants of bagels, muffins and the like, as well as tasty desserts such as brownies and cookies.

As recently as last winter, Mike Bogues said he'd formed a business plan and was ready to open an independent business. But in examining dozens of franchises, Mike Bogues said Biggby Coffee stood out.

"It was uncanny how our goals aligned with each other," he said. "I knew I had to go with these guys."

Hartland Township's Biggby Coffee is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Frank Konkel at (517) 552-2835 or at fkonkel@gannett.com

Biggby coffee chain could be coming to New Baltimore - News - Voice News

2010-12-02T15:15:00.000-05:00

Biggby coffee chain could be coming to New Baltimore - News - Voice News

Biggby Coffee's Bob Fish brews up fresh advice for entrepreneurs - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

2010-11-30T15:18:00.000-05:00

Biggby Coffee's Bob Fish brews up fresh advice for entrepreneurs - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

Crain's 2010 Salute to Entrepreneurs - Crain's Events - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

2010-11-29T19:36:00.001-05:00

Crain's 2010 Salute to Entrepreneurs - Crain's Events - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

Crain's 7th annual Salute to Entrepreneurs, in partnership with Walsh College, honors winning companies that have demonstrated growth and innovation. Winners are featured in the November 15 issue of Crain's Detroit Business and honored at the Salute to Entrepreneurs event on Tuesday, Nov. 30. This years Keynote Speaker is Bob Fish, CEO/Co-founder of Biggby Coffee in Lansing, Michigan. Nearly 200 executives and business owners are expected to attend this event.

Area Couple Aim to Brew Friendliness With New Biggby Coffee

2010-11-22T07:20:00.003-05:00

When you walk into Mike and Denise Bogues' new Biggby Coffee shop — which opens 6 a.m. Monday at 11325 Highland Road — they hope you'll feel right at home.

To create that comfortable atmosphere, the couple plan a week-long series of special events. Patrons will receive free fresh-brewed coffee as well as free samples of specialty drinks at the store. Local Michigan band Overdrive Orchestra will perform a 7 p.m. concert Wednesday. Members include the Bogues' 19-year-old son, Adam, as well as two other Hartland High School 2009 graduates, Chris Cranick and Cody Powers. Students from Milford Music in Highland also will perform on the weekend.

"We knew that we wanted to provide a place in the community to gather," said Denise, a 49-year-old math teacher at Hartland High School. "We just really felt we had a heart to provide a meeting place for the community."

The Brighton Township couple, who live within Hartland School District boundaries, decided to start their own business after years of hearing their children — and others — say such a place was needed in the area. The store will be the Hartland area's third specialty coffee locale.

At first, she and Mike, 48, thought they would open an independent coffee shop, but they decided to check out a meeting about franchising with East Lansing-based Biggby. It turned out to be a great fit with their personal philosophy. Denise said that the idea of a coffee shop similar to the celebrated bar in the hit sitcom, Cheers, "where everyone knows your name" was in her head. When she heard something similar in the franchise presentation, she felt it was the right fit.

"Our ideals lined up with each other," Mike agreed, adding the personal touch is important to them. "We want to know how your kids are doing in baseball. I want this to be the place where people come and get to know each other."

The store features free Wi-Fi connections and a menu including numerous hot and cold drink options as well as breakfast treats, such as bagels, muffins and doughnuts and scones. Brunch sandwiches called Bragel Sandwiches and afternoon treats like 7-Layer Bars, brownies and cookies round out the food selections.

The location will be the third Biggby in Livingston County. Hours are from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Aside from running the store, Denise will continue to teach while Mike, who formerly had a successful career in information technology with AutoDesk in Novi, is working toward a business administration master's degree at Cleary University.

"He will be the full-time manager for now," Denise said. "I'll help out before school and after school."

Extensive training and support was part of the franchise package. Mike and Denise's training, which started in the summer, included training 40 (all volunteer) hours a week at various stores throughout the month of August to learn the Biggby system.

That preparation also included running two practice shifts on Friday to get ready for Monday's opening. Four Biggby employees from the home office assisted throughout the process.

During the afternoon shift that day, five workers took free practice orders from people who walked in intending to buy coffee. Periodically, they switched positions, in order to become familiar with all parts of the job — from taking customer orders to making and serving drinks.

"It's about the community getting a chance to come in, not just from a menu perspective, but from an attitude and energy perspective," said 31-year-old Jeremy DeRuiter Director of Training and Development for Biggby's home office as he worked on the store's music playlist.

When there weren't any people coming through the door, Kelsey Ames, 20, home office PERColator, who, Mike explained, handles all aspects of barista training, called off practice drinks. After they were made, the drinks were taken to area businesses.

"As first-time business owners, we couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with than the team at Biggby Coffee," said Mike. "This decision for us is all about doing what we love, following our dreams and making a small difference in the lives of our customers. We're looking forward to having a place where everyone feels welcome and friendships are formed each day."

Go to original HartlandPatch article

THANK YOU soooooooo very much for the wonderful donations for our Troops!

2010-11-19T11:26:00.000-05:00

They will enjoy the Tumblers so much and the Cards are just the best! They do not have the availability to purchase in their many areas of deployment and love to have them in their MOMS Writing packs to send home for any occasion! We had numerous requests for more of the tumblers as a paper cup or canteen cup is more often than you would think what they have available to them. The Journals we will send to our Female Service Members as they frequently request and will be greatly appreciated! The colors and designs of all the product are so up beat and sure to bring smiles!!!

The continued outreach, caring and support of our Military Men and Women by BIGGBY is so very, very appreciated! You have made a difference in the lives of thousands over these past years and it is one which is never forgotten! I have attached a few emails from our Troops which thank those who contribute in our cause for each...THANK YOU for your generosity of time, heart and product for those we at MOMS serve...our Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen!

With much appreciation,

Debbie Trippiedi
Operation MOMS
Cookies Inc., NFP

Biggby Coffee opens site in Chelsea - Chelsea Standard - Heritage Newspapers

2010-11-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

Biggby Coffee opens site in Chelsea - Chelsea Standard - Heritage Newspapers

LCC AMA Speakers Series Welcomes Bob Fish of Biggby Coffee

2010-11-16T10:50:00.001-05:00

November 17, 2010
5:00pm - 6:00pm
LCC Gannon Building, Room 115

LCC AMA invites you to attend the November Speaker Series and hear how Lansing based, Bob Fish has created a successful coffee franchise. Fish paid for college by working at a local restaurant, and developed his love for the food service industry. Fish, who often goes by Biggby Bob now, started the first cafe in 1995, at 270 W. Grand River Ave in East Lansing, Michigan. Fish will share some of the innovative marketing strategies he has implemented for Biggby including his widely successful SPOT BOB campaign. This is a not to be missed inspiring and engaging event.

Entrepreneurial Law Society -- Presents :)

2010-11-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

Biggby founder shares his successful brew Nov. 30 - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

2010-11-16T09:44:00.000-05:00

Biggby founder shares his successful brew Nov. 30 - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

Biggby Coffee plans new locations - Wausau WI

2010-11-15T10:12:00.001-05:00

Biggby Coffee plans new locations - Topix

Opening Day - Tues the 9th of November Coppell Tx ...Giddy-UP !!

2010-11-08T17:48:00.000-05:00

Yelp review for BIGGBY in Coppell Tx

Peppermint Stick Mocha comes alive --- Thanks!

2010-11-08T17:11:00.001-05:00

Guest Blog -- Is BIGGBY BOB a Tooth Fairy?

2010-11-04T04:32:00.002-04:00

My daughter who is now five years old is a big Biggby fan. It started when I took her to her first "Spot Bob" and Bob gave her a card for a free drink that said "I spotted Biggby Bob". Since then she always asks to go back. A little while back she had a loose tooth - her first one. It was a Sunday, and I told her that if she lost her tooth on a Sunday, that the Biggby fairy would come and leave a gift card under her pillow... In reality, I just wanted to pull the tooth out so she would not continue to freak out about it. Well, the short story is she would not let me pull it out, it fell out later that week... and the Biggby fairy did not come. HOWEVER, just by chance... she has now had a steady pattern of losing teeth on Sundays, and yes, she never forgets, the Biggby fairy comes on Sundays. See you next week at the Spot Bob, until then I will be hanging at the Novi Biggby with all the regulars.

Jack

Speaking -- Come see me in a suit :)

2010-11-03T16:11:00.002-04:00

Entrepreneurship is the focus of Summit 2010 in South Haven

SOUTH HAVEN — Economic development on Michigan’s southwest shoreline is looking to make a shift.

“There is still an old paradigm of economic development,” said Rachel Vochaska, executive director of the 400-member South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.

It centered on hunting down and attracting companies from elsewhere.

“While that should still be a component (of the effort),” she said, “we need to start looking at how we grow our talent, retain our current companies, and looking at cultivating more businesses in the community.”

She said to think of it as “economic gardening.”

Inspiring that effort will be the focus of the fifth annual summit of the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bob Fish, chief executive officer and co-founder of the rapidly-growing, East Lansing-based Biggby Coffee shops, and Charles Ballard, a Michigan State University economist and author, will key on that during the Nov. 4 gathering, from 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at Lake Michigan College’s South Haven campus.

“What we want to do is shift the thinking ... that entrepreneurship is an integral component of the economic engine in the state of Michigan,” Vochaska said.

She said Fish is going to talk about what got him going in business, “what supercharged him to the next level, what the potential is for Michigan, from an entrepreneurial standpoint, and what the constraints are.”

The 15-year-old Biggby has grown from one location in East Lansing to about 120 stores open or under contract to open in six states (Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin and Michigan).

Ballard is expected to identify and explore the connection between entrepreneurship and a prosperous Michigan. The event will also include a panel discussion by entrepreneurial support organizations.

The cost to attend the summit is $69 per person. It is $59 per person for Chamber members or for two people from the same organization. It is $49 per person for three people or more from the same organization. Registration may be made by contacting the Chamber via www.southhavenmi.com or at 269-637-5171. More information is available at www.cofc@southhavenmi.com.

Contact Al Jones at ajones@kalamazoogazette.com or 269-388-8556.

52 Cups of Coffee -- BIGGBY was #13

2010-11-02T06:15:00.002-04:00

one girl's year-long experiment with caffeine and conversation

Cup 13

Person: Dave Isbell

Drink: Medium Americano from the Coolidge Biggby

In cup 13, I learned about sacrifice.

I wasn’t planning on it. I didn’t really want to. But it happened.

That happens a lot with sacrifice. It’s not planned. It’s not wanted. But it happens.

Or so I thought before I spent an hour drinking coffee with Dave Isbell. He gave me the harrowing news that sacrifice would be an unavoidable part of my life—not exactly news I wanted to hear. Luckily his next piece of advice was more optimistic:

While I can’t avoid sacrifice, I can be proactive and take control over the sacrifices I make.

more ,,,,Go to the BLOG

Best story I heard all year...Thank You !!

2010-10-18T15:10:00.003-04:00

Wow! This story warmed my heart and welled up my eyes with tears of happiness.

My three year old son who spoke very little, until he recently underwent ear surgery this past summer is increasing his vocabulary by leaps and bounds…the other day while leaving Biggby in South Lyon, MI, me with my pumpkin latte and he with his little bag containing a bagel asked me, “is this an “A”?” while pointing to his bag. I told him, “no, silly that is a B, a B for bagels” and he said “B for Biggby,” and I said, “Exactly!” A very proud moment:)

Thanks for making such wonderful coffee (and memories :) )

ML from South Lyon, MI

Caramel Hot Cider - A great Fall drink !

2010-10-13T06:42:00.000-04:00

Bob-A-Claus ....Starting to think about the Holidays :)

2010-10-11T11:41:00.004-04:00

B-Happy
Have Fun
Make Friends
Love People

...drink great coffee

Opening Day at Rivertown Crossings Mall -- Go Grand Rapids!

2010-10-11T11:35:00.001-04:00

Luv the look of this new BIGGBY !! Go Plymouth!

2010-09-29T10:37:00.002-04:00

Plymouth Super Center located at 400 Ann Arbor Road

Wahooo! BIGGBY COFFEE OPENS IN RIVERTOWN CROSSINGS MALL

2010-09-29T06:18:00.001-04:00

GRANDVILLE, Mich., BIGGBY® COFFEE will open a new location inside of RiverTown Crossings Mall in Grandville on Thursday, Sept. 30. To celebrate, the new store will reward shoppers with a free brewed coffee pick-me-up through Oct. 3.

Tim Barker operates four Grand Rapids-area BIGGBY COFFEE stores, and he looks forward to operating the franchise’s first mall kiosk.

“Rivertown Crossings represents the perfect opportunity to bring gourmet coffee to those who may need it most,” said Barker. “We’ll have the full menu of snacks and specialty drinks available, so it’ll be super easy to grab a fresh Pumpkin Spice Latte or Caramel Marvel to turn an already great day of shopping into an awesome one.”

The RiverTown Crossing’s BIGGBY COFFEE will be open during mall hours from
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

St. Joe Michigan ...here we come !

2010-09-28T19:46:00.002-04:00

Wahooo! BIGGBY COFFEE TO OPEN IN PLYMOUTH SUPER CENTER

2010-09-28T07:32:00.000-04:00

PLYMOUTH, Mich., – BIGGBY® COFFEE will open its first location in Plymouth, Mich. when the new store is unveiled within the Plymouth Super Center located at 400 Ann Arbor Road on Tuesday, Sept. 28. To celebrate, BIGGBY COFFEE of Plymouth will offer all visitors that day a free cup of the finest brewed coffee in the land. In addition, the full lineup of specialty beverages, including seasonal favorites such as the Caramel Apple Cider and Pumpkin Spice Latte, will be sold with an instant $1.00 discount all day long.

The Plymouth Super Center features automotive detailing, dry cleaning, truck rental, instant oil change and even self-serve dog washing services, in addition to traditional gas station and convenience store facilities. Plymouth residents Drew and Colleen Wolford own and operate the Center with members of their family. The couple is responsible for bringing BIGGBY COFFEE to the area.

“My daughter works for us, and she’d show up every morning with a BIGGBY COFFEE in hand,” said Colleen Wolford. “So when space became available, we thought adding the area’s most beloved coffee retailer to our Super Center would make a lot of sense. Everyone loves BIGGBY COFFEE, so we expect it’ll pair nicely with the existing stores within the Center.”

BIGGBY COFFEE of Plymouth is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. The store features free Wi-Fi connections, patio seating and a big screen TV.

All brewed coffee sold at the Super Center—even that which is offered within the gas station—will be replaced with gourmet coffee from BIGGBY COFFEE.

"Be Bold, Feel Beautiful": We need your VOTES!!

2010-09-22T20:40:00.002-04:00

Please vote on a charity that I have donated to...it costs you nothing, except time

"Be Bold, Feel Beautiful": We need your VOTES!!: "The Oldham Project is one of the nominated charities to receive a portion of an upcoming concert proceeds as well as other monies and prom..."

Wayne State grad named top BIGGBY barista

2010-09-20T08:52:00.002-04:00

By TOMMY HOWE | The South End

Alana Cole (right) receiving the Todd Miles Award from Biggby Coffee co-founder, Bob Fish.

Go to Original Article

Alana Cole, a WSU alumnus and Biggby Coffee employee, was voted by both customers and staff as “Barista of the Year”.

On rainy, chilly days there is nothing better than the warmth of coffee or latte as it flows down your throat – unless it is served by a barista like Alana Cole who genuinely wants to know how you are doing.

Cole, who graduated from Wayne State with a degree in psychology and is now a Biggby Coffee barista, was given the Todd Miles Award, the Michigan-based coffee-chain’s award for top barista.

Cole, who had developed a fan base at the Biggby Coffee located at 4501 Woodward Ave., said that her “customer service comes natural” simply because she “loves people.”

“Seven customers wrote in describing their unique and personal experiences with Alana – including med student residents, police officers and students,” Biggby spokeswoman Leslie Peterson said in an email.

Cole grew up in Bloomfield Hills and attended Groves High School before graduating from Wayne State with a bachelor’s in psychology. Cole said she volunteered at a summer camp that teaches Detroit children math while subsequently allotting them time to play games and have fun.

She said she dedicated a lot of hard work to learning everything about the coffee business.

It was this sort of dedication that won the attention of a large group of patrons who voted for Cole to be named the best barista.

The award is a local, regional, and national competition between 1,400 baristas in 109 Biggby locations.

Go to Original Article

Art Prize - BIGGBY COFFEE - Grand Rapids

2010-09-18T06:32:00.000-04:00

ArtPrize 2010 Biggby

Dogs Love BIGGBY Coffee too !!

2010-09-17T15:49:00.003-04:00

These pictures of Abbey (a B-gle) were sent to me by a Facebook freind. I strung them together to make a 13 second video....check it out.

I love dogs and they love BIGGBY !!

Fall = Fun at BIGGBY COFFEE

2010-09-06T07:58:00.002-04:00

Biggby’s Sensational Seasonal Signature Drinks
September 5, 2010 in Detroit Food News
Click here to do to original blog

It’s the first Sunday in September, and there’s a nip in the air this morning! As I often do on Sunday mornings, I’m off to pick up a little treat from my favorite Michigan-based coffee chain, Biggby.

More than the bright-clear sky and wear-your-hoody weather, a sign of approaching fall is the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte! Nothing says “You’d better buy some Halloween candy” like picking up a Pumpkin Spice Latte before your weekend errands.

Oh, and don’t forget their limited edition Hot Caramel Cider – particularly if you’re not interested in a wallop of caffeine. The Hot Caramel Cider is a treat worthy of calorie expenditure. Kids love it, too!

So I urge you to drive on by the ubiquitous multi-national corporates and buy Michigan, not just because it’s the right thing to do for your state and neighbors, but also because Biggbly just flat out offers a better beverage! (AND because these seasonal sippables will be gone before you know it!)

Guest Blog #10 -- B = Fall Fun -- Pumpkin Spice Latte

2010-09-05T08:34:00.002-04:00

Husnah, Having lived overseas while growing up for 12 years myself, I understand the yearning for things from back home...Thank you for sharing :)

I am currently in England and have been here since wrapping up a study-abroad summer program at Oxford University. I have been checking the Biggby website to find out if the Pumpkin Spice Latte has been released and was so relieved/excited to find out that it has! I love walking into my favorite Biggby store (located in Ann Arbor, MI) during the fall and ordering my favorite fall drink. The whipped cream melts into the steaming latte and the spice combines with the espresso to make a wonderful combination of taste and texture. I am looking forward to returning to MI after my travels and studies abroad and am going to drop by the Ann Arbor Biggby the day after I return to kick-off fall with a seasonal tradition. Some cravings will never go away!

Pumpkin Spice Latte -- Fall is Here :)

2010-09-03T07:04:00.001-04:00

Having Fun :)

2010-09-03T06:57:00.002-04:00

Annual Franchise Meeting Photos (first night)

Business Lessons from a Michigan Coffee Company -- Go BIGGBY !!

2010-08-30T11:41:00.000-04:00

Business Lessons from a Michigan Coffee Company

By Tony Rubleski

Can you SPOT BOB @ the BIGGBY Franchise Meeting

2010-08-27T14:43:00.001-04:00

BIGGBY COFFEE to Honor Top Franchisees, Baristas at Annual Meeting in East Lansing

2010-08-24T18:49:00.000-04:00

BIGGBY COFFEE to Honor Top Franchisees, Baristas at Annual Meeting in East Lansing

BIGGBY Rap 2.0

2010-08-23T10:02:00.000-04:00

Only the Best !! "The Sweet Spot" @ BIGGBY :)

2010-08-21T07:37:00.004-04:00

At BIGGBY COFFEE we are always looking for the best.

It requires a lot of commitment and a lot of hard work, but when all is 'said and done' we know we have done the right job.

Watch this video and you'll see what I mean...

Guest Blog #9 -- The BIGGBY Way :) & CHEERS :)

2010-08-19T09:35:00.002-04:00

I Love "guest bloggers" they say it better than I could, ya'know? Referencing CHEERS (the TV show) happens frequently ...It always puts a warm smile on my face :)

It's morning; I walk down a hallway at the McKay Tower in Grand Rapids toward some necessary chocolate, caffeinated goodness.

One head, two heads, look up and around: "Kimmie!" "How are you?" "Hey girl!"

"Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name .... and they're always glad you came ... "
That's Riley and JoAnn, my baristas from the Monroe Center Biggby. They are ALWAYS glad, ALWAYS smiling, cracking jokes, and have, in the past months, years, become that constant "up" in my daily grind that keeps me from physically harming most people.

Just kidding. Kinda. Sorta. I've never been a big "all people are good deep down" person; I tend to think digging deep enough in some people in order to find that good would require a sharp drill and comfort level with blood that I do not possess. But I digress.

JoAnn has red hair and a wit and instinct about people that at times will broadcast itself in a lopsided grin in my direction that relays, "You caught that, too, right?" Riley is a dark-haired sprite, always ready with a smile and a chocolate sauce design on my lattecino that eerily mirrors my mood on a particular day. And Riley has been there ever since I first traipsed into Biggby clueless as to what kind of coffee drink I wanted ... or the path of uber-Biggby addiction on which I tread. These are my people. And the best days at the Monroe Center Biggby are when I walk in and spy both of them behind the counter.

"Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got; taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot."

Even better are some of the lyrics that never made it on air during the show (same tune remember): "Roll out of bed, Mr. Coffee's dead; the morning's looking bright; And your shrink ran off to Europe, and didn't even write; And your husband wants to be a girl ..." (wow, it's as if I WROTE that song) ... "Be glad there's one place in the world where everybody knows your name ... "

My Biggby baristas, Riley and JoAnn, offer me that break, that place, without the job endangering addition of alcohol that accompanied Cheers. They are truly a team, both spectacular, each unique yet complimenting the other, and that is why they should be recognized as a team by Biggby as my favorite baristas.

I'll just let them decide which is Sam and which is Woody.

Kimmie aka "NORM!"

~Kimberly

Justacogitatiing Blog

Guest Blog #8 -- The BIGGBY Way :)

2010-08-19T09:32:00.001-04:00

I find it to be a nice thing being around friends. Whether its around a table playing cards, talking online or on the phone or around a campfire. I found a new place that is like walking into a group of friends and thats at my local Biggby. I used to go to one in Kalamazoo when I was in town there and got to know some of the employees and enjoyed the help and service as well as the general kindness they offered. Not just beverage servers by any means.

Then, Biggby opened up down the street from me and I entered right at 6 am to be the first in. I do not count the woman who slipped inside minutes before me because officially, they were to open at 6 am. Therefore in my mind, I was finally #1 at something.

I had met the Manager, Brooke, at the Plainwell Biggby and I found a new friend. She always remembers my name and she is always happy, and helpfull. Her staff is made up of the best employees anyone could ask for. Never pushy, always understanding and in good cheer. They all work together great as I can see and I always feel like I am amongst friends there.

To descibe the feeling, look at the tv show "Cheers" and Sammy would be Brooke and I would be Norm. Only the beverage is different and I have not seen a Carla on staff as of yet.
I would like to thank Brooke and the crew for always making me feel at home there.

Thanks gang.

Trent McGuffey

B-utiful Photo ....BIGGBY signs youngest franchisee ever :)

2010-08-06T06:13:00.000-04:00

Frozen Peanut Butter Cup Latte -- Taste tested, DELISH!

2010-08-05T06:37:00.000-04:00

5 Reasons Biggby Coffee is Way Better Than.....

2010-07-30T06:46:00.001-04:00

Go To Original Post

If you're tired of Starbucks being the master of all coffee shops in your area, Biggby Coffee is your cure. I can't lie, I do go to Starbucks often, but, sometimes, it's just hard not to find a Starbucks. They've become the Walmart of coffee. And while they do serve good coffee, they don't serve the best coffee.

Formerly known as Beaner's Coffee, Biggby Coffee started in East Lansing, Michigan in 1995. The first store had its humble beginnings near Michigan State University in an old Arby's. They are now a successful franchise with locations in 9 different states.

So, why is it so much better than Starbucks. Here are five reasons...

Taste

I'll start with the most controversial reason, because it's the most subjective. Everyone has different tastes in coffee, but every time I hear someone compare it to Starbucks, they mention the taste. They say the coffee is fresher and tastes much crisper.

Environment

Anyone can go to a Starbucks, right? True, anyone can, but can anyone feel welcome. You can walk into an Abercrombie & Fitch, but if you wearing sweatpants and don't look like a model, you won't feel comfortable. Biggby Coffee provides a very welcoming, chill environment where anyone can enjoy a good cup of coffee.

Price

Do we need to say more. Starbucks' prices are a little ridiculous. It's not like Biggby Coffee is half the price or anything, but saving money is saving money.

Transparency

This one may sound odd to you, but it's true. Starbucks will try to make you think your drinking or eating healthy in their shop. Biggby has the courage to let you know how unhealthy your coffee habit is. And, in this case, honesty is the best policy.

Punch Cards

Who doesn't love punch cards at a restaurant? You just look forward getting that last hole before your next free item. You won't see these at Starbucks.

Of course, when it comes down to it, we all love coffee and we're going to go wherever is most convenient for us at any one particular time. If you haven't tried Biggby Coffee, stop by and try them out sometime.

Would you like to learn how to make your own specialty coffee like they make at Biggby Coffee and Starbucks? You can save loads of money making your own coffee. Visit us to receive 89 FREE coffee recipes to get you started...

Find out more here → Best Coffee Beans

Author-- Kenny_J_King,_III

This cracks me up!

2010-07-23T12:44:00.001-04:00

Sometimes we are just not that good -- BIGGBY COFFEE

2010-07-23T09:21:00.002-04:00

This (not so flattering) note is written tongue and cheek. It is a little painful to read out loud and acknowledge, but it's true and therefor can't be ignored. We at BIGGBY can always improve, and one of the ways we can do that is to stand up and recognize when we make mistakes. This is one of those times!

Bob

Thought you might like to have a customer's response to the fact that when one opens this email and views the July 21 thru 25th special offer, it simply does not state that this is a COUPON offer and needs to be PRINTED. In other words, it is of absolutely no value. Thanks ever so much. As a new biggby cusotmer, I've really appreciated this - I've also appreciated that my rewards card has been inaccurate and I've had to spend time on the line with your customer service department straightening that out. In addition, I really appreciated that I was a customer several times a week for 3 weeks at 3 different locations before anyone even informed me that you HAD a loyalty card. And someone might want to know that your 33 percent off mug clearance? Isn't 33 percent at all locally - rather it's buy one, get the second one half off. As a new customer, I simply cannot express how wonderful I'm finding my biggby experience.
Thanks so much,
Kate

The BIGGBY way...Strikes again :)

2010-07-16T14:15:00.002-04:00

From my Facebook (find me at BIGGBYbob):

Good afternoon: Yesterday a group of 4-year olds from the East Lansing Childcare program were visiting MSU on a walking field trip and stumbled into a ground bees nest. The bees swarmed and feverishly stung the children. Many were stung at least once and several received over 10 stings. The Childcare Staff staff ran to the nearest location for help - the BiggBy's in the MSU Union. The BiggBy staff, without hesitation, assisted in caring for the children: providing a safe location, ice, and support to calm the children until they all could be transported back to the Childcare Center. The staff at the Union BiggBy's were amazing during this challenging event and the children all recovered completely due in large part to the quick assistance they were able to receive. Please extend our sincere gratitude to any of the staff you may see during your next visit there. I have had the pleasure of hearing you speak on several occasions and am sure that your company's philosophy of customer service contributed to their willingness to help without hesitation. With warm regard and gratitude, Wendy,Parks and Recreation, City of East Lansing

Kristen Cronkright & Matt Drier...Another BIGGBY match!

2010-07-12T10:13:00.001-04:00

Jordan Carson - The Face of Four, Pomaberry and Orange Creme Freeze Smoothie !!

2010-07-07T07:56:00.001-04:00

Way to Go Mary....Go Muskegon!

2010-07-01T06:02:00.000-04:00

I joined Debbie Smith and her baristas at the BIGGBY store in Muskegon on Sunday evening to award them their trophy for winning the BIGGBY cookie selling contest. They also received shirts and gift certificates. I had a great time celebrating with her crew and sharing some pizza. What a great crew. They were already thinking about winning the next contest and as customers came in the staff would tell them about the contest and ask them to buy cookies so they could win the award again. Great job.

Mary

BIGGBY COFFEE Opens in Downtown Arlington Heights

2010-06-29T20:57:00.005-04:00

Tim Mickelson really missed Biggby Coffee shop when it closed more than a year ago in downtown Arlington Heights. His craving for the brew prompted him to purchase a franchise.

The Arlington Heights resident recently reopened Biggby Coffee at 21 S. Dunton Ave.

"Like many others, I was upset it closed. I saw it as a great business opportunity," he said.

Customers lined up outside the shop when it opened Tuesday. Mickelson said he heard great comments about the shop's return.

"One woman said, 'I've waited over a year for this cup of coffee,'" Mickelson said.

He said he wasn't sure of the details around why the shop suddenly closed more than 12 months ago.

The store offers pastry, cookies and scones in addition to tea and hot and cold coffee drinks. A cup of coffee starts at $1.59.

In addition to the coffee, Mickelson added that customer service sets the business apart from competitors.

He added that his wife and 11-year-old son assist in operating the community-focused coffee shop.

Before starting the business, Mickelson, 41, was in commodity trading. He even traded coffee futures, but was never involved in the retail operation of the beverage.

He spent several years working in the San Francisco Bay area.

"Business took us out there and family brought us back here," said Mickelson, adding that his wife grew up in Arlington Heights.

When the Michigan-based coffee shop first opened in Arlington Heights and around the country several years ago, the stores were known as Beaner's Gourmet Coffee. The company started changing the name of the company stores in 2007 when it received complaints from customers who found the original franchise name offensive.

The switch, not provoked by lawsuits or complaints, was simply a move to avoid offending anyone, the company has said. The change didn't stunt the growth of the company as Biggby has doubled its store numbers every two years since the company began franchising in 1999.

Mickelson says it's not easy launching a new business in a down economy. However, he says that if you believe in the product, it makes the process a whole lot easier. He added that it's tough seeing other stores close down around you.

"It weighs on you," he said. "If I had not been a customer before, I wouldn't be able to do this."

The shop is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays.

GO TO Daily Herald article

BIGGBY COFFEE East Lansing -- where it all started (and continues to grow)

2010-06-23T18:00:00.002-04:00

You know, coffee is the real thing, or, should I say, Biggby's is the real thing. With the plethora of drinks now available, by setting the menu free and allowing a profound number of items available, Biggby's, in my mind, has surpassed the competition and is forging new ground as to the meaning of "coffee shop".

If I don't buy as much from Biggby's as I maybe once did, I plead my case to the ruler of the economy, whomever that may be--I simply love to stop in but I just have to save my money at times.

In fact, Biggby's customer service is over the top and rivals Zingerman's of Ann Arbor at what you guys and gals do. Keep up the good work--and to think that it all started in East Lansing :-)

--Mark

This just in...You fixed the BIGGBY song! Yay!

2010-06-22T08:55:00.001-04:00

I'm currently at the Biggby in Grand Rapids... I hear the Biggby song again and I was dreading having to suffer through the tone-deaf whistling part at the end of the song, when, the song suddenly stopped right before it became awful.

I'm so happy you switched the song.

Yay.

Now I don't have to cry silent tears of frustration over the crappy part of that song, I'll just cry tears of joy, or tears of deliciousness, or tears of bemusement. OK, I'm not going to cry at all, which is a good thing.

Thanks for fixing the song.

-rob

Biggby Dog Days of Summer!

2010-06-21T10:50:00.000-04:00

Biggby Dog Days of Summer!

Now Hiring! Now what?

2010-06-17T08:58:00.008-04:00

Do you feel a sense of loss when you reach the bottom of your BIGGBY cup? Perhaps a loss of direction? You need to take the BIGGBY Aptitude Quiz to give your life in coffee a sense of purpose.

For each question below, select the answer that best fits your personality, and then total your score at the bottom to see where you would best fit in the BIGGBY world!

1) When the alarm clock goes off:

2) My closet is:

3) When I’m at a party:

4) My favorite class in school was:

5) If I was one of the Seven Dwarfs, I would be:

6) You’re on the freeway, 45 minutes into your trip. You are:

7) Pick the game you most liked to play as a kid:

8) You have to give a toast, you:

9) When eating out at my favorite restaurant, I am:

10) Pick the statement you identify most closely with:

Score your responses as follows:
1) A:1, B:3, C:5, D:1   2) A:10, B:5, C:1, D:10   3) A:5, B:10, C:1, D:3
4) A:5, B:3, C:3, D:10, E:5  5) A:5, B:1, C:3, D:10, E:1  6) A:10, B:3, C:1, D:5
7) A:10, B:10, C:1, D:5, E:5    8) A:10, B:3, C:10, D:5, E:3    9) A:5, B:1, C:3, D:10
10) A:10, B:3, C:5, D:5, E:1

Now, tally your score and see where you fit in!

10-20 points: Hoist a cup! You’re born to be a BIGGBY fanatic! Your next step: Sign up for E-wards to get some BIGGBY Love!

21-40 points: You must look good in an apron! You’d be an incredible BIGGBY Barista! Your next step: Send your application to a store!

41-60 points: You are equal parts purpose and fun—Hello Franchise Support Team (and we’re hiring RIGHT NOW!) Your next step: Check out our job posting with the BIGGBY COFFEE Operations Department!

61+ points: Your “i”s are dotted and your sock drawer is organized. You will rock as a Franchise Operations Specialist (and we’re hiring for this position too!). Your next step: You also need to check out our job posting with the BIGGBY COFFEE Training Department!

Another 'BIGGBY WAY' Story -- Feathers in Cap!

2010-06-15T15:34:00.001-04:00

Ali and Theo were great, real teamwork and very hospitable, with connection issues, inventing a drink for me (skinny skinny Vanilla Chamomile latte--stressed out today!) and a toasted cookie (great idea, new to me) I even threw mixed currency and lotsa change at them and they were so nice all the while. I feel very valued. Feather their caps, please!!

Video Pandering can B-effective Go BIGGBY, Go Tommy and Brook ... STAR 105.7 in GR :)

2010-06-15T09:35:00.001-04:00

The BIGGBY way .... Again !! :) Grandville, MI

2010-06-10T04:59:00.001-04:00

I wanted to tell you that I stopped in the Grandville Biggby today at 3:00. I have never been treated by two more friendly baristas and left feeling like I finally had found someone who knew how to treat a customer. Kudos to them and their manager

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Thanks for dropping us a line Crystal

TEDxLansing - Bob Fish - Random Thoughts of an Entrepreneurial

2010-06-09T10:11:00.001-04:00

Lydia and Zac -- BIGGBY COFFEE is My Happy Place

2010-06-09T09:43:00.001-04:00

My favorite line "...and now seven minutes of Whistling!"

SPOTLIGHT on BIGGBY COFFEE -- We are proud of you!!

2010-06-08T16:53:00.001-04:00

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