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Gourmet Coffee Arrives in the Upper Peninsula Courtesy of BIGGBY
Posted on Apr 7, 2008

GOURMET COFFEE ARRIVES IN THE UPPER PENINSULA COURTESY OF BIGGBY

Downtown Escanaba is Home of the First U.P. Location for Growing Brand

Escanaba, Mich., April 7, 2008 – Lansing Mich.-based coffee retailer, BIGGBY COFFEE, will celebrate the opening of its first location in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula next week. The store, located at 423 Ludington Street in Escanaba, will open its doors at 7 a.m. on April 15 and offer free brewed coffee all week long in celebration of its grand opening.

BIGGBY COFFEE® began as a single café in East Lansing, Mich. just 13 years ago. Renowned and loved by gourmet coffee fans and college students alike, word of its signature coffee drinks spread quickly and continues to grow. BIGGBY now has 90 stores open in nine states and an additional 73 under development to open in the next two years.

The Escanaba BIGGBY COFFEE, located across the street from City Hall, is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. It is the first franchise for long-time local community members Pat and Cyndi Wakefield.

“My husband and I had established careers, me as a mom and Pat as a social worker, before we began thinking about trying something new last year,” said co-owner Cyndi Wakefield. “Our son goes to college down state and he encouraged us to look into BIGGBY, a favorite spot of his. We really saw a lot of potential in the brand and we’re excited to bring real gourmet coffee to Escanaba.” Wakefield also noted that the BIGGBY COFFEE colors match those of the Escanaba Eskimo’s, which was the final selling point. “We saw it as a sign that this was meant to be!”

BIGGBY COFFEE combines its signature coffee drinks with free wireless internet access, warming fireplaces and plentiful soft seating—all standard options that will be part of the Escanaba store.

The Company’s growth into the Upper Peninsula is in line with its plan to expand its retail presence in the Midwest and South by 60% before 2010.

The new stores will bring nearly 20 new full and part-time jobs to downtown Escanaba.

About BIGGBY COFFEE®

East Lansing, Mich.-based BIGGBY COFFEE was founded in March 1995 and began franchise operations in 1999. Today the Company has 90 stores open and an additional 73 under development across nine states including Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina and Wisconsin. BIGGBY COFFEE features more than 30 gourmet coffee, fine tea and frozen drink selections in addition to an assortment of pastries and other fine eatables. For more information about BIGGBY COFFEE, visit www.biggby.com.