Charles Beagle gets up at 4:30 a.m., his mind filled with ideas. Thirty minutes later, he's bringing his dreams to life as owner of Beagle's Café and Bakery.
At the age of 21, Beagle is already a seasoned business owner. A year ago in September, he opened
Beagle's Cafe and Bakery in Grand Ledge. Customers walking into the café, he says, are immediately greeted by the sights and smells of cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, pies and Beagle's specialties: homemade bagels and scones. And for those not seeking sweet treats, Beagle's Café also offers a full breakfast and lunch menu including sandwiches, quiche, salads, wraps and a selection of specialty coffee and beverages.
Beagle set up shop in the space that was once home to the beloved Sweet Linda's at 214B Bridge Street. His goal, he says, is to revive the concept of the quaint hometown eatery, with his own personal twist.
"I want the café to feel like a second home for our customers," says Beagle. "Delicious food and affordable prices has always been the goal from the get go, but so has creating a comfortable environment and welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back."
About 50 people can fit within the 1,300-square foot storefront decked out with what Beagle describes as "coffee colors"—or tans, browns and maroons. In addition to stocking his brick-and-mortar café, Beagle also sells goods to five different farmer's markets including DeWitt, Dimondale, Bath Township and East Lansing.
Beagle initially learned to bake from his mother and grandmother while growing up in Grand Ledge. He finished high school through an online program, started saving his earnings from his work at the Grand Ledge Farmers Market, and attended culinary school through an online program through Ashworth College.
"My mom is a real hard worker," says Beagle. "She taught me to be that way."
Beagle Café and Bakery employs three staff and is looking to add more as business grows.
Source: Charles Beagle, Owner, Beagle's Café and Bakery
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Capital Gains? Email Ann Kammerer here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.