With the final days of Build-Outs season approaching, we’re thrilled to take a look inside the newest cafe from Michigan’s Madcap Coffee Roasters. Our last day publishing Build-Outs is October 1st!
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
As told to Sprudge by Jake Heiss.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Founded in 2008, Madcap Coffee Company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI. We operate our own roastery, as well as several cafes in Michigan.
Our founder, Trevor Corlett, is an award-winning, nationally recognized barista and trainer. We have been spotlighted by national media and in competition for our coffees, roasting profiles, and innovative drink recipes.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
Read more about the design experience here!
What’s your approach to coffee?
The Madcap Coffee experience is all about providing excellent coffee and exceptional cafe hospitality.
We source each coffee through traceable, direct relationships with producers around the globe. Our team samples and chooses our favorite batches for our roastery, where each coffee is prepared for your enjoyment.
Wherever you experience Madcap, we hope you’ll see, sense, and taste the experience we work hard to create
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
We have the new Modbar Pour Over 2.0 and three-group La Marzocco Strada S with scales.
How is your project considering sustainability?
Sustainability for us starts with longevity. We approached the Ferndale cafe with an emphasis on durable, intentional materials that are designed to age well and remain functional for years rather than following short-lived design trends. The space incorporates substantial timber, limestone, black patina stainless steel, and other materials selected with durability in mind. We also designed the café around an open, flexible service bar and a variety of seating arrangements so the space can adapt to different types of service, gatherings, and coffee experiences over time.
That approach reflects a broader philosophy at Madcap: thoughtful design, quality materials, and spaces that are built to last.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
Summer 2026. Our Ferndale 9 Mile cafe officially opened in July 2026. We hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremonial/community ribbon cutting on August 28.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Yes. We worked closely with Detroit-based design studio Black Helmut on the development of the Ferndale space. Their focus on durable materials and thoughtful, long-lasting design helped shape the cafe’s distinct material palette and overall experience. Internally, Madcap Brand Designer Grant Wortley was also closely involved in developing the visual language and personality of the space, balancing familiar elements of Madcap with new materials, textures, colors, and seating experiences specific to Ferndale.
Thank you!
No, thank you!
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
