Otono to Open New Café in Grand Rapids This March

News Summary

Grand Rapids is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Café Otono, an extension of the popular secondhand store Otono. Set to open on March 15, the café will provide a cozy space for patrons to enjoy specialty coffee and vintage finds while fostering community connections. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Otono, reflecting the growth of both the business and the vibrant local community.

Exciting Expansion in Grand Rapids: Otono to Open Café This March

Grand Rapids, Michigan is buzzing with news about the beloved secondhand clothing and home goods store, Otono, which is set to take a giant leap forward. The shop, known for its unique selection of vintage treasures, is gearing up to open a brand-new café, Cafe Otono, on the weekend of March 15. This new venture not only marks a significant growth for the store but also adds to the community charm of the area.

From Pop-Ups to a Permanent Home

The journey of Otono started in 2019 when co-owner Emmanuel Ibarra kicked off the business with pop-up sales in local coffee shops. While working in a Grand Rapids coffee shop, he discovered a passion for combining great coffee with quality secondhand goods. The unfortunate onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his business plans, but not for long. By 2021, Ibarra, along with his friend Alanna Sawicki, launched Otono, focusing primarily on selling gently used clothing and unique home décor items.

Originally, Otono operated on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a delightful mix of products while engaging with a loyal customer base. However, it didn’t take long for those shoppers to ask for one small addition to the beloved store—coffee! The idea of incorporating a café bloomed from customer interest, sparking a vision that would change the shopping experience at Otono forever.

Spotting a Neighborhood Need

Ibarra recognized a clear lack of coffee shop options in the area, a gap he saw as an opportunity to serve not only his customers but also the community at large. As their lease expiration approached in June 2024, the store owners took this moment to re-evaluate their business model. Their careful consideration led to the exciting decision to expand their offerings by relocating to a larger space closer to Fulton Street.

The new location at 25 Division Ave S. Suite 100 boasts a spacious 3,900 square feet, which is nearly double the size of their previous 1,800-square-foot store. By moving to a bigger venue, Ibarra and Sawicki aim to create a thriving hub on Division Avenue, emphasizing the importance of stable businesses in the neighborhood as the area continues to grow.

A Café that Brings Community Together

The upcoming Café Otono will be a cozy 20-foot coffee bar with seating for about 50 people, crafted with precision by local contractor Robert Oomkes. The café aims to provide a nurturing space where patrons can unwind, sip on delicious coffee, and peruse the unique finds that Otono has to offer. The coffee menu will feature a straightforward selection using High Bank Coffee Roasters’ quality products, offering a delightful assortment of specialty drinks and pastries from the well-loved Coucou Bakehouse.

But it’s not just about serving up caffeine and sweet treats. Café Otono hopes to create a community gathering point that sets it apart from other vintage shops. In a time when people seek connections and shared experiences, this new café aims to be the perfect backdrop for friends and families to meet up, relax, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures while shopping for treasures.

Embracing Sustainability and Individuality

The trend of vintage shopping is gaining momentum, particularly among younger shoppers who are passionate about sustainability and expressing their individuality through fashion. As the number of vintage shops on Division Ave grows, Otono is right in step with the shifting culture, ready to welcome those who are looking for unique pieces that tell a story.

As Café Otono prepares to open its doors, the excitement in Grand Rapids is palpable. This expansion not only symbolizes growth for Ibarra and Sawicki’s vision but also reflects the vibrant community spirit that characterizes the area. With the café on the horizon, Otono is primed to offer an exceptional experience that redefines both shopping and socializing in Grand Rapids!

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Additional Resources

• WZZM13: Otono Store Brews New Chapter with Coffee Expansion
• WOOD TV: Coffee and Clothes – Grand Rapids Vintage Thrift Shop Opens Café
• Crain’s Grand Rapids: South Division Vintage Retailer Expands with New Café
• MLive: After 6 Years, Outside Coffee Co Closing for Good in Grand Rapids
• New York Times: Starting a Coffee Shop Business