Seeking a change from their fastpaced careers, Alan Forbes and Gary Mack found the perfect opportunity when the Bay Village Coffee shop came up for sale.

“For years we had been fantasizing about the possibility of starting a business of our own, but the idea felt overwhelming and risky. Something about a coffee shop felt right and we decided to take the leap,” Alan recalls. “It just really felt like the right move for us.”

They both come from white-collar careers. Gary was a social worker for 25 years, working primarily in the areas of mental health, substance use and homelessness. Alan has extensive experience in retail management and customer service, most recently serving in supervisory and management positions with the Thunder Bay casino.

“With these backgrounds we are both great with people and enjoy interacting with our customers,” Gary says.

It was also a natural step, especially for Gary who enjoyed baking pastries and desserts at home.

Their efforts have resulted in a friendly little coffee shop that serves premium coffee and muffins, cakes and cookies baked fresh daily in-house using freshly-made ingredients.

The recipe has worked: they are preparing to launch a second location on Court Street.

“Our success is based on genuine appreciation of our customers,” Alan says. “People often comment on the positive energy at Bay Village Coffee. We are having fun every day and it’s contagious.”