Local business owners Landon and Nicole McDaid have had an epic month of November.
Having launched Hive Coffee Co. in Suttons Bay (2023), the couple is now tackling two additional ventures, opening Birdie's Sandwich Shop behind Hive and Little Boat Coffee in Leland at the old MadCap Coffee venue, all within the last month.
“We love this community so much, so we wanted to keep the party going ... We always had some fun and interest in sandwiches on (Hive Coffee Co.) menu, and we wanted to expand on that,” Landon said.
Birdie’s Sandwiches took over the former Bay Burrito location after having the keys for only 20 days; they opened the Monday before Thanksgiving.
The plan was conceived in early October, and a little over a month later, the idea became reality.
“We felt like it was always in the cards,” Landon said.
Landon and Nicole opened Hive Coffee in 2023, taking over for the former Mundos coffee location.
Nicole and Landon take pride in using their business resources to promote and support local causes, including mental health, honeybee conservation, and more.
With Little Boat coffee and Birdie’s Sandwiches, they hope to support causes focused on Lake Michigan conservation, Piping Plovers, Fishtown Preservation, and more.
“We are hoping to use this business to host events and fundraisers to educate and raise awareness to support Michigan wildlife and conservation,” Landon said.
The most significant aspect for Landon and Nicole while running these businesses is relying on their staff.
The sandwich shop will be managed by Max Streeter, while DJ Friedman will captain Little Boat. Grace Scott took over as manager at Hive Coffee Co. to continue a successful couple of years for the Suttons Bay coffee shop.
Landon admits that both businesses are finding their groove over winter in preparation for the majority of business in summer and fall.
Birdie’s Sandwich Shop uses fresh bread from local 9Bean Rows. It offers eight different sandwich options, from the Rave Bird (turkey, bacon, lettuce, etc.) to the Spicy Sparrow (ham, salami, capicola). Vegetarian and build-your-own options are available.
Little Boat will be selling MadCap coffee, founded in Grand Rapids. The turnkey business was a quick turnaround for the McDaid's. Hive Coffee Co. serves Mundos sourced roasts.
“We don’t like culture shock ... (Madcap) has great roasts and they’re great people,” Landon said.
Nicole admits that a successful strategy is not only for business, but also for love; the key is being on the same page.
“Over-communication is key, and being transparent with each of our goals and where we want to go with life. Also, letting the other person do their thing. You have to give each other grace,” Nicole said. “We are learning as we go, and I think a huge part of it is our community and all the support that we received from everybody. I don’t think we could have done any of it without them.”
Nicole and Landon met at Ferris State University, where Nicole studied nursing, and Landon specialized in environmental biology, eventually moving into business.
While on a budget, Landon bought a little espresso machine from Goodwill, which would serve as an espresso of life.
They didn’t have much time for one another, and this espresso machine helped build their relationship.
“Like ships crossing in the night. We didn’t have time for each other that often. We made time in the morning with that little goodwill espresso machine. We would sit and have coffee and talk about how the day was going to be a good day and the mindset we wanted to carry throughout the day ... Everybody needs this ritual in their lives,” Landon said.
Birdies Sandwich Shop and Little Boat are open six days a week, except Tuesday, while Hive Coffee just recently announced it will be open seven days a week.
