JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Cafe Fuel is now welcoming customers to enjoy coffee and company in downtown Jackson.

In October, Fortress Cafe closed its location inside Lean Rocket Lab, leading the nonprofit to open a coffee shop of its own called Cafe Fuel. The new business opened its doors Monday, Dec. 9.

Fortress Cafe is closing downtown store, but new coffee shop will take its place

“Everybody’s super excited to be back and loving all the new options they can pick from,” Director of Member Services Sierra Sibson said.

People can find a variety of sandwiches, bagels, soups, salads, English muffins and coffee drinks. Popular are the steamed bagel sandwiches, which are usually made with bacon and eggs, or turkey and cheese, Cafe General Manager Faith Seneff said.

“It’s kind of a new thing that people haven’t heard a lot about, but you make your sandwich, put it in a steamer that we have, and it softens it,” Seneff said. “It kind of melts all the flavors together.”

Soups are hits with patrons so far, Seneff said. Options rotate between chicken noodle, broccoli cheddar, loaded baked potato and a tomato basil bisque.

Baked goods come from Jackson’s Doughnation Bakery and The ABC Bakery in Summit Township. Additionally, there is a space where the nonprofit can showcase those participating in the LOCAL Fellows Program, Sibson said.

Fortress Cafe is closing downtown store, but new coffee shop will take its place

“We’re just trying to utilize local businesses and bring more people in the space,” Seneff said.

Cafe Fuel still brews coffee from Fortress Cafe, which operates a farm and other locations, and Cafe Fuel makes a variety of lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew and hot chocolate.

Coffee fans can join a mug club for $29.99 a month. They will receive a Cafe Fuel mug and can fill it with free drip coffee or get $1 off specialty beverages, Sibson said.

Aside from the food, Lean Rocket Lab reconfigured the seating of the cafe to offer more comfortable options, including, high-top chairs, tables and couches. So far, both Sibson and Seneff have enjoyed seeing the seats full.

“We had a lot of people that are regulars that come in here and they like to work up here, have meetings with each other,” Sibson said. “I think they’re excited to be back.”

Cafe Fuel, 133 W. Michigan Ave., is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

More information can be found on its Facebook page and website.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Jackson” daily newsletter.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges outdoor enthusiasts to stay safe as fluctuating winter conditions continue across Michigan.

According to a press release issued Friday (Dec. 20), proper preparation and caution are key to avoiding accidents while enjoying activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and hiking.

Winter Safety Tips

The DNR recommends dressing in light, adjustable layers to avoid overheating or freezing. Check weather and road conditions, and carry essential equipment like ice picks, ropes, flashlights, and backup gear.

“The right gear is definitely essential to going out,” said DNR conservation officer Brandon Vacek. “I mean, you want to make sure you’re dressed in layers to that you know you can adjust accordingly.”

Further, Vacek said people should travel with a buddy, inform someone of your plans, and ensure your communication devices work in remote areas.

“That goes back to always having, you know, a plan, leaving some information with someone about where you’re going and when you’re set to return,” said Vacek.

Staying hydrated and fueled with snacks is also important, according to the news release, and if you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to stay home.

Ice and Snowmobile Precautions

Ice conditions are unpredictable, so wear a flotation device and keep ice picks accessible, advised Vacek. Furthermore, snowmobilers should ride on the right-hand side of trails, keep speeds safe, and avoid alcohol.

Riders aged 12 to 16 must obtain a Michigan-approved snowmobile safety certificate to operate without a guardian or crossroads.

Last winter, the DNR reported that there were 19 snowmobile fatalities, highlighting the importance of caution.

For more safety tips and trail updates, visit Michigan.gov/RideRight and Michigan.gov/DNR/Education/Safety-Info.

Michigan is expanding its board at linebacker during the winter transfer portal cycle by hosting the second linebacker target of the week.

Washington rising sophomore LB Khmori House is set to visit Ann Arbor on Sunday according to his agents.

House will join Georgia linebacker Troy Bowles as linebacker visits who have been on campus this week.

Maize & Blue Review can confirm that Bowles was on campus on Thursday.

House appeared in 9 games as a freshman for the Huskies this season, recording 33 total tackles, one forced fumble and an interception.

Stick with Maize & Blue Review for more Transfer Portal coverage.

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