It doesn't take long to learn about Water Street Coffee Joint in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In fact, the four cafes offer more than the coffee the company is popular for making in the area. Water Street Coffee Joint is a great place to do homework, for example. I have spent hours there studying, utilizing the free WiFi, and usually starting with a meal. The meals are prepared from scratch in a local kitchen. Eating there is a yummy treat!
Water Street is also a great place to meet with people. The Startup Grind Kalamazoo team decided to do that as a way to check out the newest location in Portage. We rode together on a day that was windy and snowing significantly enough to slow down the traffic. When we arrived, it was nice to have hot tea on a cold Michigan day. We chose an area near the window, which wasn't hard to find, since there are a lot of windows at the Portage location. The chairs allowed us to feel more relaxed with their slight recline, and we had a coffee table for our beverages. The three of us sat and discussed the upcoming events and the division of our tasks. One person, in particular, was the reason for the Water Street Coffee Joint choice - Mark Smutek.
When Mark decided to create Water Street in 1993, he was providing more 
than a place to study or hold general meetings. Coffee houses historically have been meeting places to foster creativity and innovations, providing positive collisions for entrepreneurs and founders. Some meetings may be as ours was, where we intentionally met with topics in mind. I know I have also met new people sitting at the next table because they have joined in on conversations they overheard. Whether or not you have ever wondered how Water Street was created or what the story has been, you are invited to the following Startup Grind - Kalamazoo event.
On Monday, March 30th, come to the Startup Grind – Kalamazoo fireside interview at Maestro (401 E. Michigan, Suite 202, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 – above Food Dance). Hear Mark talk more about his story, meet him in person, and find out why Water Street Coffee Joint is a popular meeting place.
Food will be available starting at 6pm, with the interview starting at 7pm. Book your ticket and invite your friends to join our community.
Purchase Your Ticket: tickets-14768762767
We will have a mix of founders and entrepreneurial-minded leaders from a mix of industries, and with diverse backgrounds and knowledge, over the coming year at Startup Grind. Join our community today and tell us what you want to see, do, and learn!
Startup Grind Kalamazoo - http://startupgrind.com/kalamazoo/
- See more at: http://startupgrind.com/event/startup-grind-kalamazoo-presents-mark-smutek-waterstreet-coffee-joint/