Make way for Belle’s Coffeehouse that opened over the summer in downtown Big Rapids, by a young 21-year-old woman.
Belle’s Coffeehouse opened its doors on June 12 and is owned and operated by Reed City native, Belle Whipple. The shop is located at 116 N. Michigan Ave., formally Fru Apperal in 2023. Whipple believed that Big Rapids was the ideal place to start her coffee shop, and after months of renovations, her dreams became a reality.
“Big Rapids has life,” Whipple said. “It has students my age, people that are wanting to go farther and go somewhere else in their life.”
After graduating from high school, Whipple frequently switched jobs and started working at another coffee shop, which was one of her favorite job experiences. She initially thought about changing the scenery at her previous coffee shop but then thought of starting her own.
“I just really loved my experience being a barista,” Whipple said. “I wanted to elevate the place into something geared more towards people my age.”
Whipple found that having a quality drink helps customers to feel welcome, and a friendly and professional relationship with employees is an important aspect that separates her shop from mainstream coffee chains.
“I wanted that kind of look that would feel inclusive to everybody, feel cozy and welcoming,” Whipple said.
Along with making sure the shop provides quality drinks, Whipple’s goal is to create and provide a safe space for students at Ferris to relax and express themselves. She has been brainstorming many ideas for students to get involved with activities and events at the shop. Some ideas that came to her were hosting game nights and even the possibility of hosting live music.
Since Belle’s Coffeehouse opened before the fall semester, there would only be two or three Ferris students coming in. Whipple is excited for Ferris students to return to campus and hopes to bring more students downtown. They would even like to try to extend hours for students.
Whipple will be at Bulldog Bonanza to let students know that the coffee shop is open and ready for business. Even though she does not have the fine details yet, she plans to be there and connect with students.
Belle’s Coffeehouse has already brought in a junior digital art and design student from KCAD, Abbie Strasser. She has been coming to Belle’s since it first opened and enjoys the atmosphere of the coffeehouse.
‘It’s my favorite cafe to come to,” Strasser said. “It’s very warm and inviting, I can find anywhere to sit, and the baristas are super nice”
Belle made sure that one of her goals when becoming a business owner was to not only ensure that the customers had a good experience coming to the shop but also that her employees have a good work environment. She does this successfully by making sure that she treats her employees how she wants to be treated.
She believed that if the employees enjoyed coming to the shop, that would enhance the experience for customers too.
“I had the belief in myself that I could treat people the way I wish I could have been treated when I was in the workforce,” Whipple said. “So, we all have that comradery, and it makes everybody feel proud of what they’re doing.”
Kate Strasser is a high school, Ferris State dual enrollment student and an employee at Belle’s Coffeehouse. She enjoys working for Belle’s and is glad she found it on Belle’s Coffeehouse Instagram.
“It’s a good environment, I love my coworkers,” Strasser said. “Everybody’s really forgiving and kind.”
Belle’s Coffeehouse is bringing a new experience to Big Rapids and hopes to connect with many Ferris students at Bulldog Bonanza and during events they will be hosting. People can follow their Instagram account, @BellesCoffeehouse, to stay connected.