The coffee world just got a little smaller. Schuil Coffee Company, based in Grand Rapids, has acquired Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co., a Northern Michigan staple since 1993, merging two iconic brands with decades of expertise. The deal, announced in February 2026, brings together Schuil’s 30-year heritage and Leelanau’s roots in Glen Arbor, near the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It’s a rare move in an industry often resistant to consolidation, but the partnership feels inevitable. Both brands share a mission: to deliver exceptional coffee without pretension.
Leelanau’s Glen Arbor café has long been a pilgrimage site for locals and tourists alike, offering a cozy spot to sip award-winning blends. Its roastery in Maple City, expanded with cutting-edge Sivetz roasters a decade ago, has cemented its reputation for quality. Schuil, meanwhile, has thrived as a regional powerhouse, with brands like Sparrows Coffee and Joven Coffee now under its umbrella. The acquisition isn’t just about scale—it’s about synergy. Shared importer connections and overlapping customer bases made the union feel natural, according to Tim Volkema, Schuil’s owner. “We’re not just buying a business,” he said. “We’re inheriting a legacy.”
The deal preserves Leelanau’s identity, with plans to keep its popular blends in rotation while modernizing packaging and the website. For the Arens brothers, who sold their 30-year-old business, the transition felt like a “perfect fit.” They praised Schuil’s commitment to product excellence and customer service, calling the merger a win for Northern Michigan’s coffee culture. Volkema, though, isn’t blinded by optimism. “Our industry faces challenges,” he admitted. “But this partnership gives us a stronger foothold.”
The move underscores a trend: specialty coffee brands are increasingly seeking alliances to weather economic headwinds. For Leelanau’s fans, the question remains: will this merger deepen their connection to the brand, or dilute its soul? What do you think?
Leelanau’s legacy will be preserved while benefiting from Schuil’s scale and resources.
KEY POINTS: The acquisition bridges two Michigan coffee powerhouses with shared values and regional ties. Leelanau’s legacy will be preserved while benefiting from Schuil’s scale and resources. The deal reflects a broader industry shift toward strategic partnerships to sustain growth.
CLOSE: Will this merger strengthen Northern Michigan’s coffee scene, or risk homogenizing its unique character? Share your take in the comments.
Questions & Answers
Who acquired Leelanau Coffee Roasting?
Schuil Coffee acquired Leelanau Coffee Roasting in Michigan. The deal marks Schuil’s expansion into the local coffee scene.
Where is Leelanau Coffee Roasting based?
Leelanau Coffee Roasting is based in Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan. It’s known for its local coffee roasting and community focus.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
