Ferris Coffee & Nut Buys JP’s Coffee

Building on its reputation as one of Michigan’s leading coffee roasters and nut distributors, Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. acquired Holland, Mich.-based JP’s Coffee. The move bolsters Ferris Coffee’s increasing commitment to high-end beverages while providing JP’s new potential markets and additional resources for future growth. 

Best known for its classic coffeehouse feel, JP’s has been serving customers for more than 20 years. The store offers a large selection of whole bean coffees, fresh-baked treats and loose-leaf tea served by its staff of trained baristas. 

JP’s Coffee will remain an independent location and continue to operate under the JP’s brand and the direction of the company founder, Jack Groot, while benefiting from the added resources, team and national reach of Ferris Coffee. The Midwest Barista School at JP’s will also continue its commitment to developing industry professionals. 

Ferris Coffee will use the acquisition to help spark new approaches to its efforts in high-end beverages as it looks to build on more than 90 years of business.

“Adding JP’s Coffee is a great move for our organization and our customers given our highly complementary locations, values and strong community commitment,” said John VanTongeren, president and owner of Ferris Coffee. “Ultimately, we both view coffee as a relational beverage that brings people together. This move will improve both companies while setting a strong foundation for growth.”

In addition to his continuing leadership role at JP’s Coffee, Groot will be named director of retail operations for Ferris Coffee. In that role, Groot will oversee Ferris’ growing retail operations and continue to train and develop new talent through JP’s Midwest Barista School. His experience will also provide invaluable insight as Ferris Coffee opens its flagship coffee bar on Grand Rapids’ west side this summer. No staff changes are planned at either company. 

Ferris Coffee & Nut has been roasting coffee and gourmet nuts since 1924. Centrally located in Grand Rapids, Mich., Ferris has recently renovated its facility and upgraded its roasting operations to better serve customers.