By Kalah Amash – Collegiate Staff
As the winter semester is underway, Grand Rapids Community College students have been dealing with freezing temperatures and adverse driving conditions while commuting to and from campus. With the chaos that the cold season often brings, nothing can be better than having a local coffee shop to buzz by and warm up.
Right here in the neighborhood, the Lyon Street Café is now open to all coffee loving students. Founded by Kameel Chamelly and daughter Alexandria Chamelly, the café is located on the corner of Lyon and Union, just blocks away from the GRCC campus.
“We decided to add what the midtown area was missing, and that was a good coffee shop,” said Alexandria Chamelly, who oversees day-to-day operations at the café. “It was just what it needed to really make the area come together…It was important that we created a friendly and personal place for everyone.”
Being in the midst of a college and a local high school, Chamelly said she’s excited about the amount of students drawn in.
“It’s really nice that we are able to provide students from all around with a spot to grab a coffee and get work done,” Chamelly said. “Our location is within walking distance for many, and there is a lot attached for parking which is convenient.”
Local coffee brewery Madcap is also a part of what inspired the Chamelly’s to take on one of their own.
“All of our coffee beans come from Madcap as well the style of how we make our coffee,” Chamelly said.
With a unique menu crafted for wintertime favorites, pour over coffee, cappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes, and a variety of teas are featured. Specialty pastries are freshly made from Nantucket Baking Company next door including cupcakes, scones, muffins, croissants, and much more. Gluten free and vegan options are also available.
In only a three-minute drive or eightminute walk from campus, students can enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a selection of desserts while cracking open the books. The cozy and vibrant atmosphere of the Lyon Street Café is just what some people need to get through the season.
The café lights are on from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, and is located at 617 Lyon Street NE, Grand Rapids. While stopping in, check out the nearby wine and deli store Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket Baking Company also owned by the Chamelly family.
