Michael and Brooke Keith plan to open
The Office Coffee Shop, a different kind of co-working space, in downtown Royal Oak in May.
Construction on the space at Fourth and Lafayette started in February, with Michael using his engineering design background to lay out a floorplan that will serve a variety of temporary office needs, from desks in a shared common space to private offices to conference and training rooms -- all rentable by the hour or by the month. The space is Wi-Fi-connected and AV wired. A printing center and mailing services are also available to users.
While those amenities aren't unusual for co-working spaces, the Keiths' concept marries business with philanthropy. A cafe serving Michigan-made coffee and eats will be located on premises, which Michael Keith says will support the community and charities by sharing proceeds with nonprofits and by offering community education and networking opportunities.
The Keiths see The Office Coffee Shop becoming a place to hang out, meet people, network, and support important causes.
"We've partnered with some of our favorite Michigan vendors such as Water Street Coffee Roaster in Kalamazoo, New York Bagel in Ferndale, Holy Cannoli's in Rochester, and Just Delicious scones in Roseville," says Brooke Keith. "We want to make sure we not only offer delicious, fresh foods, but we're also going to be looking for organic and preservative-free options from our vendors."
The Keiths will promote charitable and community support among office users and renters. They currently are supporting Forgotten Harvest, Wigs For Kids, Water.org, and Team Joseph.
"So many people will be a part of our community here," says Brooke Keith. "We know that people will not only conduct their business here, they'll socialize here and network here…We figured if we were going to reduce their business overhead, we can also expose them to some of our favorite charities."
Source: Michael and Brooke Keith, founders, The Office Coffee Shop
Writer: Kim North Shine
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