Two local friends and multi-unit BIGGBY COFFEE owners, Keith Washington and Curtis Grace, have won the bid to replace a local Starbucks with their newest BIGGBY COFFEE to Milwaukee. The 379 unit coffee franchise focused on enriching communities and helping people build a life they love has secured 48 new store openings last year, to include units in emerging markets such as Illinois, Idaho, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. Now, they are expanding again with their next opening in Milwaukee, WI at 920 North Water St. Milwaukee, WI 53202. While the exact date has not been finalized, the location is expected to open in April.
“We are thrilled to announce additional expansion within Wisconsin. There’s a tremendous amount of opportunity in the coffee and cafe space,” explains Bob Fish, co-chief executive officer. “No one else is doing what we are on the same scale, and that’s attracting a lot of attention.
The new location will be opened by Washington and Grace, two local friends and former airport employees. When they met each other working in an airport, they knew they wanted more for themselves and started to figure out business together. Now, the duo owns two BIGGBY COFFEE locations in Franklin, WI and Saint Charles, IL. They also have two more in the works in Cudahy, WI and their fourth location will be the takeover of Starbucks in Milwaukee in April.
“Keith and I were born and raised in Milwaukee and hope to bring several BIGGBY COFFEE locations to the area and surrounding areas throughout the years,” said Grace. “Our goal is to open one to two locations per year.”
This new BIGGBY COFFEE location will open at a prime area in Milwaukee as it is a hub for the winter and summer festivals and is connected to an ice skating rink.
“We’re extremely excited for this location in Milwaukee and looking forward to having extended hours so we can serve the community at this beautiful location,” says area representative Tom Belongia.
Looking ahead, BIGGBY COFFEE aims to have 1,000 locations opened by 2028 and is focused on cultivating a BIGGBY Nation team culture that helps people build a life they love.
