Social media can be blamed for a range of issues plaguing society, from misinformation to bullying to unrealistic expectations. But it can also pull people together, allowing them to bond, exchange advice, and seek support. Or to sell a dream.
Morgan and Levi Williams opened
Coffee Clubhouse in Kentwood in February 2023 when their sons were 21 months and 5 months old. It was something Morgan dreamed about doing – and felt like she needed.
“I grew up in Munising, so when we moved to Grand Rapids and I became a mom without any built-in connections, it was incredibly challenging,” Morgan says. “I didn’t have a village here, and I felt that deeply. That experience really shaped my heart for creating a space where others wouldn’t have to feel that same kind of isolation.
“Coffee Clubhouse started as a dream during a season of early parenthood where we craved adult connection but couldn’t find a space that welcomed both us and our little ones. So, we created one. We opened the doors with the mission to be the ‘village’ every caregiver needs—a place to connect, recharge, and let kids be kids.
“Our time owning it was filled with joy, growth, and a lot of trial and error, but it was deeply rewarding.”
A growing family, a changing dream
When the Williams found out in January they were pregnant with their third child, they made the difficult decision to put the business up for sale. They posted all over social media, but it was harder to sell than they expected, and they came dangerously close to watching the doors close on their dream forever.
“It was incredibly emotional. We watched our boys grow up within the walls of Coffee Clubhouse – they hit so many milestones there,” Morgan says. “But sometimes life calls for a pivot even when it wasn’t part of the original plan.
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Levi WilliamsMorgan Williams with her sons.
“Sharing our decision on Facebook was vulnerable, but it felt necessary. We’ve always tried to be open and honest through the highs and the lows. Life is messy, and that’s what makes it beautiful. We’ve never tried to be something we’re not, and we felt the community deserved to walk through that moment with us, just like they’ve walked through so many others.”
The responses they received from the community and their patrons often moved them to tears – as did several deals that fell through at the last minute. Then, the Williams met Chesley and Carl Roscoe. Chesley and Carl both grew up in Kentwood and had moved back to the area to be closer to their families as they raised their own family of five.
“I had heard so many great things about Coffee Clubhouse—I know it is a popular space that is loved by the community,” Chesley shares. “When I saw Morgan and Levi's most recent post on Facebook about their search for a new owner, my wheels started turning.
“I have been running my own business, Say Cheese GR, for five years, something I started with my family in the forefront of my mind. I was working at a corporate sales job prior to opening my own business, and I wanted to break the cycle of working to pay for child care. It was important to me to be at home with them as much as possible.
“Knowing that the clubhouse revolves around family, community, and building a ‘village’ for people, it felt like it could be a great fit. I had been renting kitchen space for Say Cheese GR, so this was also an opportunity to blend the two businesses and finally have my own space. I thought, ‘A play cafe, coffee, and an eatery? What's not to love?’ I was so excited at the thought of being a part of this community.”
Keeping local, local
When Chesley initially inquired about purchasing Coffee Clubhouse, she didn’t have high hopes.
“I figured Morgan and Levi had a huge list of amazing candidates,” she says. “However, things kept moving along. When we finally got together in person to discuss things, we really hit it off. I had such a good feeling about this actually being a possibility after we met. I knew that if this was right for us, it would happen.”
Morgan felt the same after meeting Chesley.
“We feel at peace [with our decision] and honestly, really excited! Chesley has such a beautiful vision for the future of Coffee Clubhouse, and most importantly, she shares the same heart for community and connection that we’ve always held at the center,” she says.
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Arianna Zimmerman PhotographyChesley and Carl Roscoe
“She’s a wonderful mama who truly understands the importance of supporting others in the same phase of life. Out of everyone we spoke with, Chesley was the only one who came in ready to add to what we’d built, not change it, but build on it in a way that made sense for the community.”
A few of the additions made since the Roscoes officially took over on July 1 include refreshing the toys, making some design/cosmetic changes to the space, updating the food and drink menu, and planning new, fun events for the community.
“I love the concept of Coffee Clubhouse and what it means to people. I want to reassure the community that it isn't going anywhere. It will always be a play cafe that is meant for connection, community, and a safe space for all,” Chesley says.
An unwavering community of support
Brianna Norton, a local mother who has been a patron of Coffee Clubhouse for over nine months, says she appreciates the play space and all its owners.
“Everyone is so kind there,” Norton says. “They treat you like family. We’re loving all the new additions, but the previous owners really created a kind, calm, welcoming environment for kids, families, and for stay-at-home moms like me. I’m so grateful they followed their dream of creating this place, and I’ll forever be grateful to them for building this village.”
Chesley says she can already feel the love being shared by the community as she steps into the big shoes of the Williams family.
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Subhan PhotographyChesley and Carl Roscoe with thieir three children.
“The community has been so warm and welcoming,” she says. “I couldn’t be more thankful for the response we’ve received. Everyone has welcomed us with open arms. I am so excited to be a part of this community. It just feels right.”
The Williams are just as excited to see Chesley succeed and continue their vision of a safe space for families.
“It’s been really special to watch [Chesley] start to make her mark while staying true to the mission. We’ve passed Coffee Clubhouse into incredibly caring and capable hands, and we will always be her No. 1 fans.”