New Perspectives Cafe to open in East Lansing

Crowdfunding never tasted so sweet. Or maybe salty, or perhaps buttery or sour. The idea behind the New Perspectives Café set to open April 16 in East Lansing is that it will taste, look and feel like whatever its future patrons would like it to. The café, has yet to commit to a location, will be funded by memberships through crowdfunding. Purchasing a membership will allow patrons to vote on menu choices, theme nights and events and will entitle them to future discounts.

“The best way to describe what we are trying to do is create as much customer control over our stores as possible,” says Jon Stewart, President of New Perspectives Café, “and to allow customers, whether that be local residents, students, or alumni of Michigan State, the chance to not only vote on store decisions but also receive a variety of prizes, discounts, free dinner banquets, and recognition.”

East Lansing is one of 30 cities that will a part of synchronized café openings around the country in April. The Bellefonte, Pennsylvania-based New Perspectives Café is currently accepting memberships and is in the process of locating the right location for the business. According to Stewart, the company is looking for a location that will seat 35 to 50 diners and is within walking distance of MSU.

The local New Perspectives Café will employ seven to eight employees and will offer daily and weekly discounts for members. Memberships will be sold through March 16.