How Biggby Coffee and Northwest Bank Revived a Community

In cities and towns across America, small businesses do more than keep the economy moving; they keep communities connected. According to the United States Chamber of Commerce, small businesses account for 43.5% of the U.S. gross domestic product. They are the source of employment for a remarkable 46.9% of Americans.   

Beyond economics, these businesses shape the heart of a neighborhood, offering places to gather, unwind and connect with the community. In Sheffield Lake, Ohio, that place didn't exist until Mary Ann and Charles Nowak brought it to life.

A hometown vision

The Nowaks, longtime residents of Sheffield Lake, knew their lakeside town had spirit. But like so many places across the country, it lacked an inviting, central hub where neighbors could connect. "We'd lived in the same community for years, but no one really knew each other. People mostly kept to themselves," Mary Ann says. "There wasn't a place to just meet your next-door neighbor."

That changed after a trip to an event at the Ottawa International Airport. Along the way, they stopped at a Biggby® Coffee location. "We both took a sip and said, 'This is really good coffee.' On the way home, Chuck said, 'Why don't we buy a coffee shop?' and I said, 'Okay.' By Monday, we were already in touch with the franchise rep."

It may have seemed spontaneous, but the dream had been brewing in Mary Ann since her 20s. "I always dreamed of opening a coffee shop, but I didn't have a nickel to my name back then. Years later, the stars aligned."

More than a business, the Nowaks saw Biggby Coffee as a chance to give their community something it sorely needed — a local anchor. "Sheffield Lake deserves better," Mary Ann says. "We wanted to give people a place to land."

From vault to vibrant gatherings

The Nowaks chose an unexpected location for their Biggby: a former bank building in a distressed plaza. With help from Northwest Bank and a Small Business Administration (SBA) franchise startup loan, they reimagined the space and turned weathered walls and a long-forgotten vault into a vibrant, one-of-a-kind coffee shop.

"I could see the potential. I've always been a visionary," Mary Ann explained. "People said the space was too big, but I knew I needed room to create a true gathering place."

Instead of converting the old vault into storage, she transformed it into a cozy conference room. "It's the first thing people walk toward when they enter. They love it. Before we even opened, people were saying, 'I can't wait to sit in the vault.' So I gave it to them."

With over 2,400 square feet, the Sheffield Lake location is now the largest Biggby Coffee in the franchise's system. From thoughtful lighting to soft seating, every detail was designed to blend history, community and comfort.

And for Mary Ann, the project carried a deeper meaning. Her husband and life partner, Charles, passed away before the cafe was completed, making the opening both a tribute to their shared dream and a deeply personal milestone. "This was the dream Chuck and I shared. I'm realizing it solo now, but he's with me every step of the way."

Brewing energy into a community

Since its opening, Mary Ann's Biggby Coffee Shop has become more than a cafe. It's become a destination.

"We've had people come in and say, 'I'm not a millionaire, but I can afford a cup of coffee a day, and this place needs to survive.' That's how much it means to people," Mary Ann shared.

The coffee shop has inspired a wave of foot traffic, with residents and visitors rediscovering the plaza. From students doing homework in the vault to local clergy writing sermons in the corner booths, Biggby has welcomed everyone. Community events that were once one-offs are now recurring by popular demand.

"They were starving for a place to connect," Mary Ann says. "Now people walk in happy, and they leave even happier."

Partners in delivering a dream

Behind such deeply community-based businesses like Biggby is a network of support. For Mary Ann, that support came from Northwest Bank.

A longtime Northwest customer, she didn't hesitate when choosing a financing partner. "They've always been my bank. I didn't even look elsewhere," she says. "I knew they'd support this dream."

Northwest Bank's Molly Gordon was by her side throughout the process. "Mary Ann has been just a bright spot in my life," Gordon says. "She and Charles poured their heart and soul into this store. They had a vision, and they made it happen. I'm honored to be a part of it."

Together, they navigated the complexities of SBA lending, renovations and business planning — not just with spreadsheets but with a shared purpose. "Every small business needs a financial partner," Mary Ann says. "Even if you have the capital, you need that safety net, that relationship."

Looking forward

Mary Ann isn't stopping at one store. Her second Biggby location is already underway, with plans to open by August. "This was always part of our dream; we just thought we'd do it together," she says.

Meanwhile, the Sheffield Lake store continues to grow as a community hub. Mary Ann frequently donates coffee and sets up shop at local events, from civic center gatherings to open houses. She's also adding new features to meet evolving needs: quiet pods for remote work, expanded seating and more community programming.

"I want Biggby to be a place where you feel known, a place where your kids feel safe and your neighbors feel welcome," Mary Ann says. "We're not Walmart or Target. We call you by name." 

Biggby Coffee in Sheffield Lake is proof that one small business can bring a neighborhood back to life. With every bold idea, there is always a partner who believes in it. For small businesses, Northwest Bank is proud to be that partner, supporting entrepreneurs like Mary Ann.  

Whether you're just beginning to dream or ready to build your own anchor business, Northwest is here to help. Let's build something great, together.