Tyler Horning/Collegian
Customers enjoy coffee and conversation at the Gathering Coffehouse's new location in Jonesville. The Gathering held its grand opening celebration on Oct. 13 after months of renovation.
Only a day after its Oct. 13 grand opening, The Gathering II Coffeehouse teemed with people: Hillsdale students, local residents and employees on and off the clock. The popular Gathering Coffeehouse in Hillsdale now has a sister location right across the street from The Chicago Water Grill in Jonesville.
After months of renovation, The Gathering II opened its doors to the first rush of customers to be greeted by a crackling fire, spacious seating and an extensive menu. The large building, built in 1825 and once a hotel, remained vacant for many years before accommodating the aroma of espresso and the habit of leisure.
Dottie Branson, owner of The Gathering in Hillsdale as well as the new venture in Jonesville, said she "was just led" to start a second coffeehouse after the success of the first.
Bar stools, leather furniture and antiques rest against the walls that are covered with the original bluish-gold tin that stretches up to the high ceiling.
"The leather couches, dark wood and lighting make for a great atmosphere," junior Talitha Brauer said. "It's a place where I can get away from campus."
Brauer showed up at The Gathering II three days in a row.
Branson said she hoped the further distance would not deter Hillsdale students from driving the few extra minutes to Jonesville.
"This location will be open later because of the traffic and the later crowd from the theater and The Chicago Water Grill," Branson said.
The Jonesville Gathering is open until 11:00 p.m., and junior Christie Aldrich, who works at both Gathering locations, said they might keep the coffee brewing later depending on how the nightly business goes.
Consequently, the Hillsdale Gathering now closes at 6:00 p.m. and both locations are closed on Sundays.
Hoping to draw a supper crowd, the new Gathering now offers fresh baked scones, panini sandwiches, bagels with homemade cream cheese spreads, soups and salads.
Another bonus to the Gathering II is a room in the back of the café that accommodates 40 people and can be reserved for groups by calling ahead of time.
Lindsey Hurd, the new manager of the Hillsdale Gathering, hopes to someday start her own coffeehouse, modeled after the success of Branson's business.
"Honestly, I think [the Gathering] is the best coffee shop in the Midwest," Hurd said. "I love being able to see the same people every day . . . and serve them coffee that helps their moods."