Upsidedown Coffee began as a mobile coffee cart at markets and pop-ups and was available for catering. However, after a year of traveling with their coffee cart, the Ortons decided to make Upsidedown Coffee a more permanent landmark in the Holland area.
As a Zeeland Native, Josh Orton was familiar with Pereddies. He even worked in the kitchen at Pereddies for six years. So, being able to give Upsidedown Coffee a brick-and-mortar home in a building he once worked in his youth is, in a way, a full-circle moment. The mobile coffee cart will still be available for events, but now Upsidedown Coffee will be available 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. (Hours are subject to change post their hard launch date.)
“Our goal with this space was to see new life brought into an old building,” Bri Orton pointed out. The couple wanted to pay homage to the historic Washington Square building, and one way they’ve done that is by furnishing the space with predominantly thrifted and refurbished pieces, which gives the store an inviting and approachable atmosphere.
“Everything is used or handmade,” Josh commented. The bar and countertops he made himself, while the light fixtures used to belong to a church, and the vintage blue tile backsplash was locally thrifted. The space is already filled with memories, and it’s their goal to fill it with even more.
Upsidedown Coffee is a name based on the servant leadership model, Josh explained. The couple desires to put their community and customers first by going above and beyond in service. The servant leadership model places the customer at the top of the hierarchical pyramid, followed by employees, management, and then finally, leaders.
The goal of Upsidedown Coffee, Bri elaborated, is to form a community. To create an environment where the staff and customers feel known and valued. She admitted she’s looking forward to getting to know the regulars: their names, their orders, and even whether they have a big test coming up.?
Both Josh and Bri come from craft bartending backgrounds, so when pivoting to coffee, they brought their mixology expertise with them. Upsidedown Coffee will feature all homemade syrups crafted from ingredients local to the Holland area. Customers can expect staple flavors such as vanilla, almond, caramel, and mocha: free from artificial colors, dyes, and flavors.
They will also have seasonal flavors reflecting Michigan’s vast array of produce and goods. “We try to feature a lot of Michigan fruits, so in the past we’ve done a peach latte that was really good. As well as strawberry and strawberry rhubarb,” Bri explained. She’s excited to shop at the local farmers' market and be inspired by all that Michigan has to offer.
For those looking to try a more exotic flavor, the couple shared that one of their specialty drinks is a cold brew passion fruit soda. In fact, cold brew in and of itself is an Upsidedown Coffee staple.
For those who wish to come and sip at Upsidedown Coffee but are looking for something besides coffee, the menu also features chai–both regular and decaf, matcha, steamers, hot chocolate, and a few less traditional options.
The Orton’s are excited to offer a variety of spitzes created with their homemade syrups. Young and old alike can enjoy a refreshing homemade soda.
Or, for a cozier option, Upsidedown Coffee has partnered with Indigo Vibes Apothecary and will feature various teas from the local tea maker.
Customers looking to sit and snack will be delighted by their breakfast burritos, which have already garnered traction amongst the community. Bri disclosed that a partnership with a local bakery is also in the works. Once the store gains its footing, the couple hopes to expand their food menu to include lunch options as well.
“It’s special to sit down and have conversations in person when everything’s getting so techy,” Josh explained as he shared his desire to foster a place where the community can unplug and connect.
The store had a successful soft launch earlier in March. Upon reflection, Bri commented that it was “cool to see [young moms with babies] using the space…to just connect and take a moment because life moves really fast.” Both Josh and Bri desire Upsidedown Coffee to be a place where people can “slow down and savor the moment with friends, with family.”
While Upsidedown Coffee is officially open, they are still planning to have a hard launch party mid-April. The Ortons also plan to use the shop for block parties and events throughout the summer, where families and communities can gather.
Upsidedown Coffee is a “fun, unique, and evolving space,” Josh commented. He hopes to continue to grow the business to meet the community's needs and evolving taste buds. The couple looks forward to becoming a staple, must-stop spot in Washington Square.
To learn more about Upsidedown Coffee and stay up to date on upcoming launch party details, follow upsidedowncoffee.us on Instagram. And be sure to stop in and say hello to the Ortons; you might even get to meet the littlest barista-in-training, their two-year-old daughter.
Jade Havenaar is a Holland native and a life-long lover of the lake, coffee, and a good book. She’s a former middle school teacher and a published author. After marrying the boy she met in a bar and traveling the US together, she and her husband welcomed their first born and Jade happily added “boy mom” to the list of hats she wears. When she’s not writing or changing diapers, she’s probably out adventuring with her Golden Retriever, Henry.
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