Advertisement

People were curious to see what the new place would look like after watching it come together over the last few months.

The staff busily pumped out expresso, coffee and other specialty caffeinated drinks. The scones, cinnamon rolls, and tortes tore off the shelves as customers curiously tried things like corn beef hash inside a pastry.

Bill and Cathy Peterson have worked a while in the food and hospitality industry, at Lulu's, Spencer Creek and Whispers, but this is the first coffee venture, and Bill said they've been pouring everything into it.

"I'm 44 now, so for me this is it," he said. "I'm putting my heart and soul into this."

This idea has been in the making for some time now. Bill said they looked at other buildings, and initially we're hoping for a drive-thru, but that the location on the corner was the best option.

"I've always loved this spot and other spots needed more work," Bill said.

Besides serving up lattes and cappuccinos, Moka is offering sandwiches, salads, pastries and gelato.

Cathy is taking care of the food portion of things, designing and putting together the menu and food.

And this shop is a family affair. Cathy's brother moved from Arizona to work in the kitchen as chef, her father did the woodwork of the counters and tables, and at least one of the couple's children is already trying to help her parents behind the counter too.

The Petersons have also emphasized using local products in many of their dishes. They sell jam from the Carriage House and their sandwiches have meat from the Bellaire Smokehouse. "Pretty much everything is local," Bill said.

The other unique thing about the new coffeehouse is that all the beans are roasted right there, making it the only roasting house in Antrim County.

Though not open yet, wine will also be sold out of a separate room. Bill said he has all the permits but that part of the business is not quite ready to go. Along with the wine sales, Bill said Cathy and him can do business with weddings - making cakes, supplying wine and making appetizers.

But there is something different in the ambience at Moka, and Bill tried to describe it.

"I like the big city things," he said. "We like that you could be here and feel like you're in Detroit and Chicago. That's kind of like what Lulu's (owned by his brother Michael) is."

He continued that darker, softer colors and original artwork contribute to that "big city" feel.

Moka is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Hadley Robinson can be reached at hrobinson@ michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-5338523.