Founded by a business major from New Orleans and her Michigander fiancé, LoLoBee’s is a café located at 106 South Linn Street, Unit A, in Bay City, Michigan. The building has a vertical floor plan with tall brick walls, upon which lie numerous paintings from local artists.
Assembled around a central walkway, the café’s seating is set beside the walls, offering tables and lounges. Many shelves and end tables include knick-knacks, arts and crafts supplies, and books to read at each visitor’s leisure.
Some SVSU students frequent the establishment. Bridgette Plante, a senior secondary education/ELA major and LoLoBee’s barista, remarked about its utility, “…we have instruments open for usage, video games, and many different seating options both indoor and outdoor.” The senior also noted events the café hosts, like karaoke, trivia, live music, trinket swaps, and art pop-ups.
According to their website’s calendar, LoLoBee’s boasts many events throughout the month, some of which are quite specialized. Additionally, Plante spotlighted its local ties, “The Asterix has many ongoing events, as well as a community pantry in our lounge,” on top of other community organizations which utilize the space.
Emily Drzewicki, a junior double majoring in sociology and communication and President of the Competitive Speech Team, holds the café in high esteem, “It doesn’t feel corporate or business-based, it feels like being at someone’s house.”
The junior confessed that she frequented LoLoBee’s even before becoming a Cardinal, but studies there often, “It offers SVSU students and the local community an important third space, and gives us a place to study, relax, and connect with others.” Drzewicki considers the café a refuge, citing precarious political conditions, “Having a space to feel safe and accepted is extremely important for all of us, and LoLoBee’s offers that.”
Co-owner LoLo began the business with creative expression for herself and others in mind, “It’s been phenomenal to see how the space comes together when the community uses it.” Interestingly, the co-owner shares, “Therapists have recommended our space; we invite camaraderie.”
Regarding SVSU students, “We would be a great space to enjoy an event that’s happening, study, meet with friends, or any other gathering options.”
LolaBee’s front entrance. | Brandon Sickels
