The sapphire waters sparkle beneath a morning sun, palm trees sway in the breeze, and the scent of freshly brewed espresso and crisp pineapple drifts through the air as beachgoers make their way back from a day spent on the water. They carry surfboards, towels, and an appetite. The pace is unhurried. The conversations are face-to-face. It’s as if, for a moment, life seems to slow down. 

You’d expect to witness this scene in Hawaii. Except, it’s somewhere else entirely—Grand Haven, Michigan. 

And, nestled in the parking lot of Grand Haven State Park is Ruby’s Açaí & Coffee. It’s a hot spot for your beach snack, either before you step onto the sandy beach or on the way back to the car. It’s a place that invites customers to embrace a slower pace, indulge in nourishing food, and connect with those around them. It’s a taste of the tropics right here in our hometown. 

How Ruby’s Began

Founder Shelby Matthyse dreamt of being a business owner. This path began when she took a gap year after her first year of college. Then she moved to Hawaii, and after a month of being there decided to drop out of college. “I fell in love with the slow and simple lifestyle,” she described. “There’s a lot of power in living a slower lifestyle.”

With her roots back home in Michigan, she was reminded again of her love of being near the water. “I’ve always loved the water and the beach since I was little,” Shelby said. “It’s always been a place I can go to feel peace and just connect with God.” 

But it wasn’t just the lifestyle; it was the food. “I loved how much they valued eating nourishing, real foods,” Shelby explained. The island lifestyle values pure berries, freshly caught fish, roasted nuts, and of course, the ever-so-popular shaved ice. It’s not uncommon to stop at a food stand on the side of the road for homegrown bananas, poke, and coconuts. 

And let’s not forget açaí. The surf-style food item has been popularized over the years, finding itself in more and more locations. Shelby decided to merge her love for this nourishing bowl and her business dreams together, creating the idea of an açaí and coffee trailer. But it wouldn’t debut in Hawaii. Instead, she brought it home to Michigan. 

“When I saw a previous açaí bowl trailer was for sale, I decided to take a leap of faith and make it happen,” Shelby recalled. “I’m a firm believer that when God puts a dream on your heart, it wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t possible.” 

After a few months of trailer renovations, Ruby’s Açaí & Coffee came to life. 

The Pup Behind the Name

By now, you may be wondering: If the owner’s name is Shelby, then who exactly is Ruby? 

The answer is a personal one. Ruby was Shelby’s childhood dog, a small companion who remained by her side through some of life’s most memorable moments. “She was there from when I got off the bus in kindergarten to moving across the country to Hawaii,” Shelby fondly remembered. 

“She was very slow moving and extremely laid back, so she just fit the vibe,” Shelby explained. “I also just thought the name was so cute.” In many ways, Ruby’s personality became the perfect symbol for business. 

Even more so, Shelby found that Ruby's temperament complemented the island lifestyle back in Hawaii. “I wanted a place where people talk to other people in line and don’t just sit on their phone,” Shelby explained. The vibe of the trailer is to encourage customers to linger a little longer, savor their food, and relish in the simple moments that can oftentimes get lost in the busy pace of everyday life. “I wanted a place where people talk to other people in line and don’t just sit on their phone,” Shelby explained.

“Instead of just grabbing a coffee and quickly heading out, people slow down and hangout for a while. And it’s something that is sadly very rare in our world,” Shelby mentioned. 

A Taste of the Tropics 

So, what makes Ruby’s stand out from other mainstream açaí vendors? The company's commitment to clean ingredients. Shelby stated, “Our açaí is 100% açaí berries with no added sugar and none of the other ingredients you often find in some açaí products.”

The products are also completely seed-oil free, and everything is made from clean, raw ingredients. From açaí bowls and smoothies to specialty coffee drinks, all of the ingredients have a focus on quality and presentation. So, expect to find freshly cut fruits to top your açaí bowls or blended into your smoothie and quality coffee beans in your latte. 

Beyond the menu itself, Shelby takes pride in the curation of an aesthetically pleasing experience for customers. “I try to make everything look aesthetic, so you want to take a photo of it… which makes the experience more fun!” Shelby explained. It’s the way the fresh fruit is arranged in the açaí bowls—their vibrant colors—and the special coffee cups that set the vibe of the business, something that attracts customers. It’s the perfect spot to order food that will likely make it into your next social media summer dump. 

Finding the Perfect Home in Grand Haven, MI

So, why Grand Haven?

“The community here is so active, and everyone just loves the outdoors,” Shelby said. “So a place like Ruby’s thrives here.” 

The trailer is located in an overflow beach parking lot, which is the perfect spot for people making their way to the sandy shore or on their way back to their humid cars after a long day of “beaching.”

Looking to Visit Ruby’s? 

Whether you’re stopping in for a refreshing açaí bowl or a specialty coffee, stay connected with Ruby’s via the social media pages and website, listed below. 

Website: https://www.rubysacaiandcoffee.com/

Instagram: @rubysacaiandcoffee

Facebook: Ruby’s Açaí & Coffee

TikTok: @rubysacaiandcoffee

📍1 Y Dr Grand Haven, Michigan 

🗓️Wednesday–Saturday

⏰9am–2pm