Higher Grounds Roastery
by Sarah Yearout

Last October, I visited Higher Grounds, one of our coffee suppliers.  I can honestly say that it is unlike any coffee shop I have ever seen. Located in Traverse City, this little coffee bar is tucked away in a campus-like complex called Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Higher Grounds roasts the finest exotic berries from tropical regions in possibly the coolest home for a coffee shop there is.  The coffee bar and roastery is surrounded by towering historic buildings that once served as the Northern Michigan Asylum.  Best of all, this 100% Fair Trade Organic certified coffee ensures the crops were grown with respect for the farmers, workers, and the earth.
 
The coffee shop boasts a live coffee shrub, as well as hand-made fair trade items. The combination of the two should spark the customers’ interest. Perhaps the most important lesson to learn is that coffee comes from an important plant on which many small farmers in tropical regions depend for their livelihood.

Next time you’re in the Co-op, check out our selection of Higher Grounds Coffee. Next time you’re in Traverse City, stop by to see Higher Grounds Trading Company. You can also visit them online at www.highergroundstrading.com