A project a year in the making, Cedar River Coffee Co., is now open in the former CHASE bank building at 9104 S. Kasson Street in the village of Cedar. The Gale family of Cedar will celebrate the grand opening of the business Saturday, May 1, with a specialty coffee drink served all day, and free cupcakes for the first two dozen customers.

In addition to brewing Roaster Jack Coffee Company coffee/espresso and tea from Light of Day Organics, proprietor Cindy Gale says they are currently serving cookies from Hannah’s in Lake Leelanau, brownies and croissants from 9 Bean Rows, and espresso cinnamon rolls from Traverse Bay Café.

The coffee shop will also have a rotation of sandwiches, salads, breakfast burritos, and bowls to take away.

Cindy Gale, whose husband Andy is president of Bay Area Recycling for Charities, says it’s all in the family to start, with sister Tammy, daughter Jenna, son Jakob, and his girlfriend Abby working as baristas, but “most likely will need to hire this summer.” Cedar River Coffee Co. is open Wednesday through Sunday now; daily starting in June.

Yesterday marked the return of made-to-go tacos, homemade pico de gallo and hot sauces from Cedar Sol Taco Stand (9452 S. Cedar Road), co-owned by Michael and Nikki McHugh, of Cedar. 

The McHughs highlight Michigan-raised meats and Michigan-grown beans in their tacos, using authentic techniques they learned from friend Carlos Carrera, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico. Carrera helped them in the early days on their farm and in establishing the taco stand, which is in its eleventh season.

Changes this year include walk-up orders only (no call-ins); new order and pickup windows; and to-go orders with limited outdoor seating (for the time being). Cedar Sol Taco Stand is open Thursday through Sunday from 3-8pm. “We’re looking forward to cooking for our community,” says Nikki McHugh.

Pictured: Jakob Gale, barista at the new Cedar River Coffee Co.