UTICA, Mich., December 8, 2008 –East-Lansing based BIGGBY COFFEE will open its first location in Utica on Tuesday, December 16^th.  The new store, located at 8771 Hall Road, will mark the 107^th store for the growing coffee retailer. During its grand opening week, the new location will offer free brewed coffee and accept canned food donations to benefit a local food pantry. 

Joe and Joe Butkovich, a father and son team of entrepreneurs, will open the café in the Heritage Square strip mall.  Joe Senior has a history in contracting and the building of this new BIGGBY COFFEE franchise will be his first large-scale commercial project.  His son Joe is a recent University of Michigan graduate and is realizing a long-held dream to open his own business.

“We were attracted to the Biggby brand because it is a genuine Michigan success story,” said Joe Butkovich, co-owner of the new café.  “It’s exciting for us to bring this unique coffee experience to Utica residents, and to be a part of an industry that is growing and thriving.”

The store is open 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.  Soft seating, a fireplace, and free wireless access will be paired with a fun, inviting atmosphere—all standard options at BIGGBY COFFEE. 

BIGGBY COFFEE currently operates in eight states, and has another 63 locations under contract to open over the next 24 months.

The new Utica store will bring nearly 20 new full-and part-time jobs to the area.

About BIGGBY COFFEE®

East Lansing, Mich.-based BIGGBY COFFEE was founded in March 1995 and began franchise operations in 1999.  Today the Company has 106 stores open and an additional 63 under development across eight states including Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, 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.