Forza Company Set to Open Café in Lakewood YMCA

The coffee shop and the have reached an agreement to open a café in the lobby of the non profit.

Members and guests can expect fresh sandwiches, soup, protein drinks, smoothies, coffee and snack choices available in an area to watch TV and socialize with others as soon as February, said Kim Ketcham, Lakewood Y spokewoman.

"We don’t want people to just go to the Y and leave," said Mike Johnson, executive director of the Lakewood YMCA. "We’d like for them to stick around even after they’ve purchased their coffee."

The 98,000 square-foot nonprofit recreational facilities in Pierce County is sceduled to have the new interior look by early 2012. Design plans have been finalized and construction is scheduled for next month, Ketcham said.

The Lakewood Y chose Forza because of its relationship with the community, adding there were two other interested companies including Starbucks, Ketcham said. It's the second Y with a Forza coffee and food bar. The Gig Harbor location was the first.

Forza will pay for the design, structure and installation of their project and then will lease the space.

Christy Matson, the upcoming manager for the Forza Y, has worked for several different coffee companies. She wants to carry over Forza's quality customer service over to the Lakewood Y.

"I want everyone to feel like any barista at all times give a genuine greeting and genuine concern to give the best service possible," Matson said.

Since opening in 1992, the Lakewood Y has grown to more than 11,700 members. Marcus Freeman, a member for more than a year, said he likes the idea of having a coffee and food shop in his recreational establishment.

"It's not that different from having a Subway like they do at other locations," Freeman said. "I like the smell of coffee. Maybe I can get a little espresso or mocha on the way out."

The Forza menu, however, will be modified at the Y location said Gil Quante, Lakebridge Forza owner. The company will adhere to the nutritional guidelines set in place by the Y.

"Coffee drinks will remain the same, but we are looking for healthy smoothies and fresh-made sandwiches," Quante said.

Christi Hill, senior director of health and well-being, hopes that people use Forza as a replacement meal or a protein shake, not for the high-calorie coffee drinks.

"The excitement has been tremendous," Hill said.