For a decade, the corner of Union Avenue and Lyon Street NE in Grand Rapids has been known as a destination for unique finds, from craft beers and fine wines to artisanal breads, delicate macaroons, and savory pizza slices. Now, this vibrant corner adds another enticing offering to its repertoire: expertly crafted pour-over coffee.
Kameel Chamelly, the entrepreneur behind Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Baking Co., has unveiled his latest venture, Lyon Street Café, further enriching the family-owned commercial space in the heart of Heritage Hill. Situated at 617 Lyon St. NE, this new café marks an exciting evolution for Chamelly’s properties in this dynamic Midtown neighborhood.
Lyon Street Café is brewing up exceptional pour-over coffee sourced from downtown Grand Rapids’ renowned MadCap Coffee, located on Monroe Center Avenue NW. Complementing the pour-over selection, the café also features a full espresso menu and a delectable array of freshly baked goods from Nantucket Bakery. Nantucket has recently relocated to a new, expanded space adjacent to the café, just across the parking area from its original location, making it even more convenient for patrons to enjoy their favorite treats alongside their coffee.
The café itself boasts a bright and welcoming ambiance, complete with complimentary WiFi and comfortable seating for approximately 50 guests. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Lyon Street Café is poised to become a neighborhood hub.
“We aim to provide the neighborhood with a welcoming space for people to connect, and for students to study and collaborate,” explains Alexandria Chamelly, Director of Operations at Lyon Street Café. “The response in our first week has already confirmed the need for such a place.”
Kameel Chamelly, reflecting on his long-standing commitment to the neighborhood since opening Martha’s Vineyard in 1982, sees the café as a natural extension of his vision. “It’s truly refreshing to witness the energy and activity within this historic 100-year-old building,” he remarks.
The Chamelly family’s ownership extends to the entire commercial block, which also houses O’Connor’s Homebrew Supply Store situated on the east side of the new café, creating a synergistic blend of neighborhood businesses.
Adjacent to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Bakery, to the west of the café, a newly constructed 20-space parking lot provides added convenience for visitors. This parking area replaces a former storefront that was demolished the previous year as part of the ongoing development of the block.
With Nantucket Bakery’s relocation from its previous 10-year location at 200 Union Ave. NE, Martha’s Vineyard gains valuable space for expansion. Martha’s Vineyard shares a wall with the former bakery space, which is now dedicated exclusively to pizza production, allowing for a more streamlined operation.
“We’ve consistently felt constrained by space within the grocery store,” Chamelly acknowledges.
Further expansion is planned for this spring, with the removal of the north wall of cooler space. This renovation will pave the way for an expanded deli and prepared foods section, a fresh salad bar, and an increased selection of organic produce, enhancing Martha’s Vineyard’s offerings and solidifying its position as a premier neighborhood market.
These strategic developments, including the bakery relocation and the introduction of Lyon Street Café, are all integral to Chamelly’s overarching vision of establishing this corner anchored by Martha’s Vineyard as a sought-after destination, just a short distance from downtown Grand Rapids.
“Our primary objective is to cultivate a collection of businesses here that enrich the neighborhood,” Chamelly emphasizes. “We had numerous opportunities to lease these spaces to office tenants or similar ventures, but our focus remains on community-centric businesses.”
He concludes, “Heritage Hill is, and always has been, a truly exceptional neighborhood, and we are committed to contributing to its vibrancy.”
Garret Ellison, a reporter for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press covering business, government, environment, and breaking news, can be reached at [email protected] or followed on Twitter & Instagram.
