Foxtail Coffee is preparing to open its first drive-thru location in West Michigan. The new shop on Chicago Drive in Grandville marks the company’s fifth location in the region and will open to the public on July 14. In contrast to its four existing sit-down cafés in Holland, Byron Center, Ada, and Eastown, Foxtail’s new Grandville shop is built around convenience with a modest outdoor sit-downtown experience. The coffee shop appears to be positioning itself as a drive-thru alternative to Biggby, Dunkin’, and Starbucks in the area.
“Join us for our Grand Opening on July 14 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. for free samples, gift bags for the first 50 people (inside only), and free gelato for kids 12 and under,”
The Grandville location signals a strategic opportunity in Foxtail’s Michigan expansion, targeting customers who prioritize convenience. Since arriving in West Michigan, the brand has gained a large following for its warm interiors, exceptional hospitality, and consistent offerings.
The building was previously owned and operated by Wildroast Coffee, a Grandville-based specialty coffee shop that has developed a loyal following since opening in 2018. Wildroast founder Zach sold the drive-thru property to Foxtail, after deciding to double down on the in-person experience at his original sitdown café just a mile away.
“We created a small community over there,” Zach said, referring to the former drive-thru. “And when we shut it down, we kept 80 percent of that business. They just came here. They started sitting down instead of blitzing through.”
Wildroast opened with a focus on high-quality coffee, hospitality, and community connection. The shop features seating for 90 guests and is designed to encourage longer stays and interaction among customers and staff.
“We do 90 seats on purpose,” Zach said. “You sit for hours, rub shoulders with people, talk to someone you wouldn’t normally talk to. That’s how you become part of a place.”
Zach said the decision to sell the drive-thru location came after observing how much of his customer base preferred a slower, more intentional coffee experience.
“That type of service and that type of experience—being greeted by name, feeling seen, having a place to go where you’re not rushed—that can’t be replaced,”
Wildroast’s team places a strong emphasis on customer relationships. Baristas keep handwritten notes on drink preferences, know customers by name, and aim to create what Zach calls a “third space” between home and work.
“Once you break down that initial barrier—‘Oh, they know my name, they remember my drink’—that opens the door for more conversation,”
While Foxtail brings a new option to the area, Zach believes there’s room for multiple coffee models in a growing community like Grandville.
“Foxtail probably won’t be the last... We’ve sat here for six years going, ‘Why has no one else tried this?’ Eventually it was going to come.”
Zach remains confident in Wildroast’s direction.
“This place isn’t going anywhere... We’ve got a great foundation, we know who we are, and we’ve got a die-hard community around here.”
Foxtail’s Grandville location opens July 14. Wildroast continues to operate its full-service café nearby.
Eric McKee is a lifetime resident of West Michigan. Married with two energetic boys, he spends his days balancing work with dad life. Also, a firm believer that Almond St. Claus Windmill Cookies are the ultimate snack (and maybe a little too good).
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