Small trailer, bigger dreams

Rustic Grounds Coffee Co. opens new building

What started as a dream for a “cute little coffee trailer” has grown into what is downtown Munising’s first newly constructed building since 1980.

The new home of Rustic Grounds Coffee Co. opened this year after a journey that began in April 2021 from a small trailer in front of the former Napa Auto Parts store along M-28.

For owners Leslie and Don Edmunds, the new building represents the latest chapter in a business built on faith, family and a willingness to learn as they went.

“We knew nothing about coffee when we started it — besides we liked to drink it,” Leslie said.

At the time, Leslie was working in medical coding and looking for a change from spending her days behind a computer screen.

“I just wanted a cute little coffee trailer,” she said.

The idea quickly became a family effort. Leslie’s parents, Ed and Cindy Hines, helped during the early years as the business found its footing.

“One time we just said, ‘Why not try it? Just do it,’” Leslie said. 

Over the next several years, the couple taught themselves how to roast coffee, developed specialty drinks and expanded their offerings. Today, Rustic Grounds serves coffee, bagel sandwiches, fruit smoothies, power bowls, salads, homemade baked treats and plant-based energy drinks.

Many of those menu items were created through trial and error, with Don often serving as the unofficial taste tester, a job few would be eager to give up.

As the business grew, they moved the trailer to the downtown property where the new building now stands and began planning a permanent home.

Don, who has a background in construction, helped design the building alongside Leslie and completed much of the construction work himself. One of the biggest challenges, he said, was designing a kitchen and food-service area. 

“We knew the coffee part of it,” Don said. “But we struggled with how to set up the kitchen part.” 

Faith also played a role in the design of the new space. Leslie said scripture was incorporated into the walls of the building, and the phrase “Fueled by Jesus and Coffee,” featured on merchandise sold at the cafe, reflects values that have guided the business from the beginning.

The transition came with mixed emotions. 

“I was really nervous about getting rid of the trailer,” Leslie said. “I thought everybody just loved the trailer.” 

Instead, customers followed Rustic Grounds to its new home. Mimi Caby, who is entering her fourth season with the company, said that commitment to quality remains evident.

“It’s made with love and served with grace,” Caby said.

Visitors seem to agree. 

“It’s a lovely downtown, and I think the coffee matches the town really nicely,” said Carrie Sinewe, who stopped in after visiting Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Five years after opening a small trailer, the Edmundses now operate a permanent downtown location built largely by Don’s own hands.

What began as Leslie’s dream of a “cute little coffee trailer” has grown into a gathering place for the community, where locals and visitors alike can slow down, share a conversation and enjoy a cup of coffee.

For Leslie, that’s what Rustic Grounds has always been about.