EATON RAPIDS, MI – Foster Coffee Company, a mid-Michigan-based specialty coffee roaster and café operator, has acquired Eaton Rapids café previously known as BlackDog Coffee. Opened in the fall of 2022 by local entrepreneur and economic development advocate Lisa Barna, BlackDog Coffee was originally launched in partnership with Foster Coffee as a wholesale partner. The café will transition into a full-service Foster Coffee location, targeted to reopen in April.

A Shared History and Vision
The newly established Eaton Rapids café began with Lisa Barna’s passion for community revitalization. With guidance from Foster Coffee, she built a coffee program that reflected a core commitment to quality and community engagement. As Lisa shifts her focus toward broader economic development efforts in the area, Foster Coffee is stepping in to continue the work she started.

“We are honored to build upon the foundation Lisa has laid,” said Nick Pidek, Co-Founder of Foster Coffee. “Our goal is to carry forward her focus on connection and local economic growth through coffee, hospitality, and shared community experiences. We started in a small town and have seen the impact a central gathering place through coffee can have on positive growth. We’re excited to see that continue in Eaton Rapids.”

Why Foster Coffee?
Founded in 2014, Foster Coffee Company operates with the mission to connect and engage communities through serving people an exceptional experience. With current locations in Owosso and East Lansing, the company has built a reputation for:

• Quality Coffee & Craftsmanship: Sourcing high-quality beans, roasting in-house, and offering handcrafted beverages that celebrate the art of coffee.

• Hospitality: A focus on transformative hospitality that is built on human connection, conversation, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

• Local Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses, nonprofits, and community events to drive positive cultural and economic impact.

What to Expect

• Same Location, New Atmosphere: The café will maintain its location but transition into a Foster Coffee space, with an updated look and feel that reflects Foster’s signature inviting design.

• Expanded Menu & Specialty Drinks: Guests can look forward to Foster Coffee’s full beverage, food, and bakery lineup—including signature espresso drinks, brewed coffees, teas, and seasonal offerings—alongside house-made bakery items, breads, and fresh food options.

• Community Engagement: Foster Coffee plans to partner with local organizations and host events that bring people together. Additionally they plan to continue utilizing the space for event rentals for the community.

Continuing the Legacy
The transition ensures that  the core mission of fostering community remains at the heart of the café. Lisa Barna’s work in uplifting Eaton Rapids through economic initiatives will continue as she focuses on expanding job opportunities, business growth, and city-wide revitalization. Meanwhile, Foster Coffee will carry forward its proven model of creating inclusive, community-centric coffee shops.

“We’re so proud of what we’ve grown here with BlackDog,” said Lisa Barna, owner of BlackDog, “and we couldn’t be happier to pass the baton to Foster Coffee. The new ownership will be a catalyst for growth and development that is beyond our wildest dreams. This change shows the viability in downtown Eaton Rapids and promise entrepreneurs see in our town.”

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About Foster Coffee Company
Foster Coffee Company was founded on the principle that community matters and coffee is a powerful force for bringing people together. Since 2014, Foster Coffee has grown from its original location in Owosso, MI, to multiple café locations across mid-Michigan and now includes a coffee roasting and baking division. The cafes feature specialty coffees, amazing lattes, fresh food, and tasteful baked goods with the purpose to serve people an exceptional experience. Through welcoming spaces, meaningful partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, Foster Coffee is dedicated to cultivating communities that thrive.

For more information, please visit fostercoffee.co.

For Press Inquiries
npidek@fostercoffee.co