BAY CITY – A new business is about to open on the Great River Road in Bay City and it all started with a grandson’s innocent question to his grandpa.

“Hey Grandpa, can we open a hotdog stand together?” grandson Cameron asked Bay City businessman Bruce Andrews.

While the hotdogs are on the horizon (and they are coming), travelers can rejoice in the soon-to-be open Sunrise Coffee on 35, located at W6442 Highway 35 in the former Flat Pennies Ice Cream building.

Andrews, who also owns and operates Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters & Construction, storage facilities and an equipment rental business, bought the former Flat Pennies building in August 2021.

“Having this vacant building sitting here with nothing happening,” Andrews said. “I bought it because I wanted to clean the town and the building up.”

He initially thought about putting a car wash in, but it soon evolved into something Bay City was lacking: A coffee shop with a drivethrough window.

Since roughly 1.5 million vehicles pass the location every year, with up to 200,000 in one summer weekend, opening a coffee shop will fill a need along this stretch of the River Road, Andrews said. Patrons will be able to take advantage of the convenient drivethrough or they can stop in and stay awhile.

Sarah Ilavsky, who manages Andrews’ businesses, said the extensive remodeling of the building was a complete gut-job. The only original item in the rustic, welcoming shop is the flooring. White-washed log walls, rustic décor, an old-fashioned tin-style ceiling and cozy tables make you want to pull up a chair and soak in the sunshine streaming through the windows.

“We wanted to give the shop a warm vibe, something unique in Bay City that’s eye-catching and appealing,” Ilavsky said.

She also explained that neither she nor Andrews was a barista by any means, so they’ve spent hours watching training videos, researching and practicing their coffee-crafting skills. It takes a lot of trial and error, practice and taste-tasting to perfect the blends and measurements. Thankfully, they have general manager Jess Goodwin on hand to help, who has some experience.

The shop is working with vendor Armada Coffee to offer signature hot and cold “brus” (a play on Bruce) and lattes, Sunrise Spritzers, frappes, bottled soft drinks, and more. Dairy-free alternatives will be offered, as well as coffee-free kidfriendly drinks such as blenders, juices and hot chocolate.

As for food, expect to find delicious pastries; the offerings will eventually expand to include quick bites, healthy lunches for people on the go and of course, those gourmet hotdogs. Imagine 10-to-12-inch hotdogs, named after area landmarks, piled with as many toppings as you want. Stay tuned, Andrews said, as he will have his hotdog stand.

The shop will offer free wifi, acknowledging that many people now work remotely or while traveling. Sunrise Coffee plans to open daily at 4 a.m. to accommodate commuters heading into Red Wing. The shop will close around 3-3:30 p.m., with plans to possibly extend hours as more employees are hired and demand increases.

Ilavsky said many people have already walked through the doors, hoping they’re open. She said they hope to be open by the end of the week or next.

“Everyone, including the village, has been very welcoming and awesome to deal with,” Ilavsky said. “They’re all eager for us to open.”

Be on the lookout for a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting in the near future. Sunrise Coffee is also hiring; stop in to fill out an application.