The Place Drink Co.: on a mission to foster connection

Downtown’s Willow’s newest business is on a mission to bring people together – with coffee. Melody Buse, proprietor of The Place Drink Co., LLC, sat down with Howell County News on August 25 for an interview. In a newly gravel-covered sitting area next to their coffee trailer at the corner of Center and First St, Buse talked about her inspiration.

 

“God woke me up with a vision,” she said. Though a brick-and-mortar shop is part of the five-year plan, Buse knew she would start with a mobile trailer. Focused on every single detail, her vision was of a renovated vintage camper that offers a warm and inviting coffee experience. “Cute and cozy,” is the goal, she said.

 

“This generation is lacking connection. That’s where coffee comes in,” she said. “Small towns don’t believe they’re worthy of elevated looks.”

 

Buse disagrees and hopes to bring her intentionally curated menu of organic coffee, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and plant-based energy drinks to the heart of Willow Springs. Every piece of the menu has been thought-out and prayed over, Buse said. 

 

Originally from Houston, Buse has partnered with Willow Springs resident Christine Collins, who Buse says has “poured into” her life and made her, “a bonus daughter.”

 

The community’s has been positive, Buse reports. The Place celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting thanks to the Chamber of Commerce on August 27. 

 

Find The Place at the corner of Center and Front Street in Willow Springs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.. There is a drive-through window with an entrance on Front Street. On the weekends, The Place will be on the road with planned appearances at Bear Town Tear Down on September 19 and Pioneer Days in Mountain View on September 26.