In 2022, Brew, a popular and cozy hangout coffee hub owned by Sean and Missy Kickbush in downtown Traverse City, sold their majority share to Fernhaus Studio. The shop saw an abrupt closing and an eventual message was sent out to the Traverse City community saying that Brew had closed due to “unexpected staffing issues”. With this, Brew would have renovations and a complete rehaul of the old coffee hub. This rehaul worried many locals who had attended Brew frequently for several years before its closing.

  Fast forward to Oct. 6, 2023, Outpost takes the place of Brew with its very successful first several days. Outpost is an ‘outpost’ of The Mill in Glen Arbor, Michigan, a popular place of hospitality and history on the Crystal River. With Outpost’s opening came an entirely revamped menu with many local aspects. 

  “We really narrowed it down to focus the spotlight on our baked goods which are actually made up in Glen Arbor by our pastry team,” Alexandra Coon, the General Manager of Outpost, said. 

  Although the menu size was greatly decreased, the quality is assured by Fern Haus Pastries (FS. Pastries), the owner of the Mill in Glen Arbor. Panther Coffee is also freshly brewed coffee for Outpost here in Traverse City. 

  For Brew’s ‘frequent travelers’ who were worried about this new space, Coon said, “We really sympathize with the love given to Brew for so many years. It was an establishment we also loved ourselves. I think that I try to just tell people the positive things we’re doing here now, and just hoping that they can find a little bit of what they loved about Brew in what we’re doing now.”

  Despite the closing of Brew, Outpost poses a new space, locally made pastries and coffee, and new members of the Traverse City community.

  “We’re still working in partnership with Sean and Missy. They’re still around and love what we’re doing, so we’re really happy with it and excited about the future,” Coon said.