Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee Co.

Originally, Great Lakes started as a premium chocolate retailer with several chocolate kiosks in malls throughout Michigan. When brothers Paul and Jared Smith assumed control of the company in late 2002 it was decided to expand the Great Lakes concept with the addition of coffee.

2003 saw the remodeling of the downtown Sturgis location and addition of specialty coffees to the menu as well as seating and a comfortable, welcoming environment.

Early 2004 Great Lakes began roasting their own coffee beans in further efforts to ensure that customers could count on ‘only the best’. Soon ‘Coffee’ was officially added to the company name and Great Lakes began marketing its products as Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee Co.® to better characterize where the company’s focus lie and to better communicate the products available to the customer.

2007 saw the opening of the second Great Lakes Chocolate Café located in Ann Arbor, MI.

2008 was the opening of the third Great Lakes Chocolate Café located in Lansing, MI. followed by the first Great Lakes franchise located in Kimberly, WI, a suburb of Appleton.

Focusing on simplicity and quality has allowed the development of a system that is easily replicated and teachable. Along with Great Lakes’ customer focus our direct control over type of coffee roasting and freshness has become a competitive advantage for Great Lakes Chocolate Cafés.

Looking to the future Great Lakes is excited to partner with those interested in owning their own Great Lakes Chocolate Café or Cafés as we expand across the region.