The Coffee Factory — Restaurant in Muskegon

I really wanted to love my experience here. When we first walked in the decor is really unique and I really loved the design of the place overall. The menu on the wall isn't near the register so it was a bit disconcerting at first. I was there with my 4 year old daughter, who also loves coffee shops because we own one so she loves seeing other ones as well. They did have a kid table which I appreciated but they also had a few delicate pieces of decor right at kid level that had "do not touch" signs so instantly had to be mindful of those. The real problem was the customer service. I was not greeted at all when I came in, or even when I came up to the register. Very monotone, flat faced interactions- I legitimately felt like I was being a bother. We got a lemonade for my daughter which was delicious and I got what I assumed was their version of a frappe, but within 4 minutes it separated into pure liquid with a frosty froth on top before I even got to take a sip of it so it didn't feel like a blended drink at all. The flavor was good though. I wasn't asked for a name for the order or anything else, and I wasn't sure where to wait for our order either so we just kind of awkwardly stood near a table. The barista brought it out which was nice, but she just kind of thrust the order into my hands- two drinks and a bag. I had a hard time holding it initially and I felt it was fairly obvious I was practically close to dropping something but I wasn't offered a carrier or for her to even just set it on the empty table next to me so I didn't have to struggle. It was also missing the cupcake we ordered so I had to go back up for that. My daughter and I loved the bathrooms and the decor, she really enjoyed her drink and the fruit salad and cupcake we got were good too. I know how chaotic customer service can be and it seemed like maybe it was just an off day, so I don't want to judge too harshly, but it was probably the most unwelcome I've ever felt going into a coffee shop before, and my daughter and I really enjoy trying out new ones so I was...

The Coffee Factory, a space carved from the Shaw-Walker complex and a production of Team Sarah Sass and Watermark 920 has left me agog with happiness. First, it's the triumph of Mat Moore and his furniture making from reused materials, mostly sourced from inside the Shaw-Walker complex, with the assistance of Bill Bodell. In a sign of respect, Coffee Factory exhibits black and whites from the great days of Muskegon's manufacturing past. The wireless is better than Starbucks and the baked goods far less pricey. A dollar and a quarter for a no-bake cookie? I could live on those cookies!

Speaking about endorsements, I found Muskegon's leading hipster working a virtual assistant gig at the long table before the big window. Open until 8 PM, this is going to be many people's home office away from home. By the way, see if you can spot the stencil of Guy Fawkes within view, the masked face of Anonymous.

Shaw-Walker has literally thousands of acres of raw space waiting to be carved into Brooklynesque spaces. Part of the complex still serves as a factory for Knoll. Add the Coffee Factory to the growing list of cool interiors in Muskegon, including Fatty Lumpkins, The Block, Hennessy's, Russell Block, Rootdown Yoga, the Ivory Bus Station, Smash Wine Bar, Watermark 920, Culinary Institute of Michigan, Verdoni's, Hodgepodge Bakery and the Lake House.

As a side note, mom, Joan Elizabeth Juntunen, asked me a month ago, "Do you get paid for those endorsements you write on your blogs"?

Let's not talk about my actual answer. Let's say now what I should have said then, "No, mama, I write them so you will read them and know...

This place is a favorite. Not only do they serve MadCap Coffee, but they have such interesting drinks and foods. I love this place because the delicatessen options they offer are not the same BS past and potato salad and boring sandwiches. I feel like I am back home in Colorado in a ski resort town with the options they have. They do vegan and gluten free baked goods, which is very important to me (multiple food allergies) so I can still get a sweet treat every so often and not have to bake myself a dozen cupcakes when I only want one. They also have fresh made antipasta type salads, the olive one is a favorite, but vegan beware, it has cheese. I love that there are other vendors from locals also set up in the shop, a vintage clothing store, a book store with gifts and books, a soap maker's shop, its all very "village chic" and community oriented. The furniture was all made by a local artist with supplies sourced from the very factory the shop is in. The outdoor patio is on the north side of the building which is great in hot summer days. I take friends here when we meet up for a quick lunch while shopping or scheming since everything is counter served. They also have sun lights at the booths to get some vitamin D when the weather wants to give you Rickets and Brittle bone disease. I love this place. I think it is one of my favorite places to frequent in Muskegon; such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. OH! AND they always have some sort of on season decoration up...