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Root Café and Coffeehouse in Fennville Adds Craft Beer, Wine & Spirits to their Menu

Two years ago, Dawn Soltysiak opened Root in downtown Fennville, where she has been selling small batch roasted coffee in mugs she handcrafted, with artisan sandwiches and rustic food which she grows or gets from other local farms. Root originally opened as a breakfast and lunch only café, coffeehouse and bakery, but has now expanded hours to 7 days a week from 7:30am-9pm.

Dawn describes Root as a place to feel grounded. She says she wants people to gather and enjoy the house made food and be surprised by the unique wine and craft brew selection. The cozy space features a sitting area with old fashioned couches and chairs surrounding a fireplace, and raw edge plank tables for you to dine.   

The café is located at 120 E. Main Street in a restored brownstone storefront in downtown Fennville, and it is connected to Fernwood 1891 art gallery which showcases artwork of over 50 local artists. Grab a glass of wine, browse the gallery and talk to the artists, as they may be creating art in the studio space located in the front window.

“We have been slowly growing Root and we are getting to the goals we set when we originally envisioned the concept. You know it takes a long time for a tree to grow a sustainable tap root, and we couldn’t be happier, with how we have grown over the last 2 years.” says Soltysiak. 

Dawn has hired Sam Kramer as the bar manager. Sam has recently moved back to Michigan after spending the last several years in the San Francisco area working in the wine industry. “I am so excited about the unique, but approachable choices Sam has made for the bar.  Her knowledge of the industry is definitely showing in our beverage menu.” says Soltysiak.

Root will be having a “Tap ROOT” Celebration on Friday, June 23 from 6pm-9pm. The event will offer  Happy Hour specials, live music, artist demonstrations and door prizes. The taps will be flowing with a selection of craft beers, the spirits will be mixed and wine will be poured, and the expanded menu with shared plates and artisan sandwiches will be available.