SAGINAW, MI – A new to-go coffee shop and professional hub has opened in the City of Saginaw.
Signature Eight O’ Eight, 808 N. Michigan Ave., houses Black Brew Cafe and individual offices that are available to rent.
Co-owner Brandi Holiday-Hayes purchased the entire building with an out-of-state partner in 2020.
The word ‘signature’ in the business name is fitting, Holiday-Hayes said, because everything they offer is signature.
“Everything under the roof is signature. To your signature cup of coffee, to your signature experience overall, to your signature sandwich, to your signature atmosphere, it’s what we’re bringing,” Holiday-Hayes said.
Formerly called the MacDonald building, Holiday-Hayes said the building has a rich history in the community as a home to various businesses over the years.
Holiday-Hayes said they revamped the whole building and built the coffee shop into the plans. Later, she brought on Tanya Howard so the two of them could run Black Brew Cafe together.
“We’re a small business with a small shop with a small space, but with a big heart,” Holiday-Hayes said. “It’s what we need as a city. That’s what we offer, a good cup of coffee, customer service and a friendly smile.”
Howard is a nurse working in long-term care, but is also a realtor and entrepreneur, so she said it was a perfect partnership to hop on board with Holiday-Hayes.
“I just have a passion for working with people and just to care. So, it’s just a different atmosphere, but it’s just all the same,” Howard said.
Holiday-Hayes wanted to serve coffee to the business hub while also servicing the community. She accomplished this by designing Black Brew Cafe as a to-go coffee shop.
Black Brew Cafe offers a variety of hot and cold drinks such as espresso, lattes, mochas, frappes, iced coffees and teas.
They also offer a variety of pastries and a couple of breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
The pastries are currently made by Holiday-Hayes’ daughter, Quintaja Hayes.
Holiday-Hayes said she held an open house for the whole building in early January and opened Black Brew Cafe to the public on Jan. 20.
As for the offices to rent, Holiday-Hayes said they are perfect spaces for careers such as business professionals, nonprofit organizations, tax preparers, accountants, attorneys, massage therapists, photographers and estheticians.
There will also be a gathering or conference space available to rent upstairs in the spring, Holiday-Hayes said. It can fit about 65 people.
Holiday-Hayes was born and raised in the City of Saginaw, and she said it’s important to her to pour back into the community.
When she asked herself, ‘What can we do?,’ it became clear to her.
“The vision just started coming. Revitalize all the space, bring young people in, give them an opportunity at affordable rent where we don’t have to go all the way out of right here in the city,” Holiday-Hayes said. “Of course, we have to pay bills and make money as well, but we’re here to be an assistance to our community.”
There are unfurnished offices available to rent and the prices range depending on the size. It will cost anywhere from $350 to $800 a month, Holiday-Hayes said.
People who are interested in renting or to take a tour can call 989-270-1324 or email unity@signature808.com.
Black Brew Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, check out the Signature Eight O’ Eight Facebook page here and the Black Brew Cafe Facebook page here.
