Well, as some of you reading this may know the shop is not yet open. In the midst of many road blocks, one of them being a stinking kitchen sink, we are hopefully a week away from opening our doors. However, in the spirit of positivity I would like to share what I hope will be even more of an incentive to come see us once we do open. Due to the fact that we have had considerable more time to think on how we are going to do things here at MadCap the direction and results have turned out considerablly different than my original vision. The delay has allowed us to rethink our menu, connect with a brilliant General Contractor named Tom Roeters, who connected us with a very talented carpenter called Forest Glory, connect with Edwin at Finca Vista Hermosa, and the list goes on and on. If I forgot to mention someone I’m sorry but this ain’t the grammys. Anyhow, if you’ve stopped in or peaked in the window then hopefully we’ve been around to give you a cuppa. If not feel free to ask if we’re in. Provided the sink shows up this week and all goes smoothly with our final inspections we’ll be open next week. Stay tuned.
On another note, I’m going to take this opportunity to plug our recent purchase of coffee from Edwin Martinez at Finca Vista Hermosa in Guatemala. Its an amazing coffee from easily the best farm in Guatemala. It was a joint effort through [evo] that allowed us to purchase this coffee and we love it. So once we open come in and order a chemex of it and relish the moment. Also, our first rotation of artwork is being put up and they happen to be pictures from our [evo] line Guatemalan coffee. They include pictures of the farmer Andreas and his family. Make sure to check em out. Lastly, Ryan and I (Laura maybe) are trying to find time to start thinking/preparing for the regional barista competition that’s coming up in February. I know Ryan is working on his signature drink so if you are in and it looks like he’s cooking something ask him about it and maybe you’ll get a taste. Ok, folks that’s all for now. Hopefully the next time I post I’ll be telling you we’re open for business. cheers

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Well, I know everyone had high expectations of us being open by now. We sure did. However, seeing as how I’ve done this a few times and with every shop I’ve opened I have never managed to open on schedule. So, maybe its just me. Anyhow, I can say that we are close. How close you ask? No more than a week out to be exact. Our flooring is being finished today, the cabinets are going in the bar, the concrete countertops are going down today and tomorrow, and my equipment is getting put in place on Friday. Its been a long road and a longer week and I can’t tell you all how excited we all are to get behind the bar. Check out our Flickr pics to see the updates. Also, I will post more info next week regarding our new Finca Vista Hermosa coffee. You all will definitely want to hit that. Stay tuned.

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Ok all, we’re getting close. If you have the luxury of peering in our windows you will have noticed a lot of working going on lately. Finally. Anyhow, to give you something solid to go on. The dry wall should be wrapping up today with our floor prep beginning next week. Things are starting to take shape quite fast now. I do have one bit of bad news however, we are being made to cap off our ceiling with drywall. Meaning that the beautiful exposed floor joists that you now see are going to be covered up. But to avoid any further delays we are pushing forward with it. Never fear, we still have our beautiful brick wall as well as two sweet columns that Naomi has been known to swing from. Also, to help build the anticipation I will share with you some of the elements we are going to be throwing into the mix. We are very excited about our 23′ long concrete bar that will include ample seating on two ends. Another item of note, the glorious 6′ x 5′ hole that I’m sure many of you have heard about. The hole will be used as a viewing into the basement with a glorious view of our Diedrich IR-12. See the MadCap flickr for pics. I’ll throw a couple up today of the roaster being lowered through the hole into the basement. We also have a stellar piece of art work being created by local photographer Eric and the details for that will be a surprise. The last physical element I will share with you is all our custom made furniture. Our studly designer Tom is not only creating the enormous concrete bar with his bare hands but is creating all our tables as well. So, hopefully this little tidbit will have made it all worth the wait.
I might as well tell you also that we are very excited to be working with a lot of local companies to provide us with wonderful goodies. Goodies include yummy milk from a local dairy, local baked goods, and gourmet sandwiches from a local restaurant.
Ok, that should give everyone something to brew with for a while. cheers

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Greetings all. We at MadCap humbly apologize for the lack of updates we’ve had our cups full lately. Renevations have begun in the location so if you’ve happened to walk by I’m sure you’ve seen a few walls being framed up. We’ve got our bathroom walls up and those are the only walls we’re putting up so things are progressing nicely.
Almost two weeks ago now we (MadCap) and a hefty representation from Grand Rapids went to the Spro Down in Chi Town and had a wonderful time hanging out with the beautiful coffee people of the Great Lakes. We had the opportunity to taste our spro alongside some other really great spros as well as to play on a variety of espresso machines. Intelly did a wonderful job hosting and there were a ton of other shops, dairies and equipment companies that made great contributions. You can check out some of the details here.
Yesterday we went over to Ypsilanti, MI and hung out with some of the peeps over at Ugly Mug. We had a splendid time hangin out with Miro, Ethan and Billy Bones. I’m sure you other coffee fanatics know the joys of hanging out with others who you could spend the day just shooting the breeze talkin nothing but coffee. Not just any coffee talk mind you but legit coffee talk. Its good for the soul.
As far as a status, we’ve got an espresso machine up and running on a cart and if you peek in the window and see us on the machine come in and we’ll pour you a capp. Our Diedrich IR-12 is being shipped and we’re greatly anticipating its arrival. However, we are trying to find the safest way to lower it through a hole in the floor. Not an easy task considering its 1000lbs. We have some new coffees available including a COE from El Salvador that is very tasty chemexed and pulls marvelous SO shots as well.
Ok, that’s all for now. Stay tuned for more updates. I promise we’ll post more frequently fo ya’ll. cheers.

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