BUSINESS

Greyhouse launches Kickstarter to complete expansion

Journal & Courier

Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. at 100 Northwestern Ave, West Lafayette

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Almost since opening nine years ago it’s been evident Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. needs an expansion, assistant general manager Ali Wisthuff said.

When the building recently came under new ownership, it seemed the time was ripe to begin an expansion, which is now underway. The expansion is on track to be finished by February, Wisthuff said, but Greyhouse needs help with the final push, which is why staff launched a Kickstarter Campaign at the beginning of January.

The Kickstarter campaign will help pay for the final work, equipment and furnishings to make the space comfortable and functional.

Wisthuff said Greyhouse is expanding into an adjoining space and also increasing counter space and serving capacity.

“We’re adding a lot to our menu, adding a lot to our space and gaining efficiency,” she continued.

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Doughnuts are one of the items coming to Greyhouse’s new and improved menu.

General manager Kevin Kerkhof said they’re going to be a little different than the standard coffee store doughnuts.

“It’s not just going to be taking the doughnut and changing the glaze,” Kerkhof said. “They’re going to be artisan doughnuts. The dough, glaze and filling will be made in-house and from scratch.”

Part of Greyhouse's expansion is focused on increasing capacity and serving customers more efficiently.

While work is going well, Wisthuff said the renovation has been hard on students that rely on the coffee house as a place to study and relax. Because of the extensive work underway, Greyhouse had to close its doors completely.

The project won’t be done until February but Wisthuff said they hope to open part of the coffee shop by mid-January to just sell coffee.

“We want to sell coffee as soon as we can,” she added.

Hanna Scott, who is a Greyhouse regular and even picks up the occasional shift at the coffee house, said she’s anxious for her favorite haunt to reopen, which is one of the reasons she donated to the Kickstarter campaign.

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“I’m excited about the changes happening there and what it’s going to bring to the community,” Scott said.

Donating to the Kickstarter campaign also offers a chance to receive merchandise and win prizes. Scott, for example, won a year’s supply of doughnuts from Greyhouse.

The Kickstarter campaign is asking for $17,500. To date it has raised $5,000, under 30 percent of the total goal.

The expansion isn’t contingent on the Kickstarter succeeding, Wisthuff said, but if it doesn't it will mean Greyhouse won’t be able to outfit the coffee shop with all the equipment required to enhance efficiency.

The campaign runs through January, Wisthuff said, and she’s confident they’ll meet their goal.

Reach Journal & Courier reporter Emma Ea Ambrose at eambrose@gannett.com or 765-431-1192.