Economy Forces Shelby Township Biggby Franchise Owner to Shut Doors

You’ll no longer catch a whiff of fresh roasted coffee as you drive down Van Dyke Road in Shelby Township after the Biggby Coffee on Van Dyke, just north of 23 Mile Road, closed its doors.

A note posted on the coffee shop’s door stating, “business closed 9/28,” greeted loyal coffee patrons Monday morning.

Franchise Owner Dave Danyko told Patch that he’ll miss his daily interactions with the community and the friends he made since opening the shop in 2008, but tough economic times have forced him to “hang up the apron.”

“Although it’s a wonderful business, the location and business climate in Macomb County—it was just one of those things that could not be sustained,” he said.  

This is the second independently owned coffee shop on Van Dyke to close its doors in the past year. Hepburn’s Crepes and Coffee on Van Dyke, just a mile north on 24 Mile Road, also fell on hard financial times and moved the business to Rochester Hills.

Now, Biggby Coffee lovers who need their Carmel Marvel fix will have to head to one of the other seven Macomb County Biggby locations. But if you’re looking to see Danyko’s familiar face, he said can often be found sipping his coffee at the 21 and Hayes Biggby location. He also added that most of the musicians that played at the open mic night will transfer to the 21 Mile Road location.

Shelby Resident Hangs Up Factory Life for Apron

Danyko decided to try his hand in the coffee business after retiring from Ford and Visteon as an operations manager.

He opened the store in December 2008. Looking back, he said he’s learned quite a few lessons in business and life.

One lesson he learned is: timing is everything.

“When I entered the business, the economy was very good, and then it crashed as I was opening, and Macomb County just hasn’t come back.”

The 12-hour days, two bouts of road construction in front of the store and a lagging economy took a toll on the small business owner.

“As an entrepreneur, you’re on your own. People look to you. You’re chef, cook and dish washer. I now have a great deal of admiration and respect for all small business folks,” he said.  As a result, Danyko said he’ll definitely work harder to support small, local businesses.”

Owning a coffee shop has been a humbling experience for the Shelby Township resident, but when asked if he’d do it all over again, he said “yes.”

Although Danyko still owns the franchise, he told Patch he doesn't imagine he'll be opening a new store anytime soon.