About Us
Our Story
The Good Earth Café is a family-owned food business owned by David and Cheryl Koeman. The Koeman’s owned their first business in downtown Holland in the mid ‘70s through the early ‘80s. Selling it to be able to spend more time with their two young children (it is true – a restaurant is a business that owns you); knowing they could not do justice to both.
The Koeman’s went on with raising their children and to other jobs without losing their love for the food service business. The “birds” left the nest but the passion to own their own business and love for the food stayed. So when Nick and Ann Cappeletti decided to sell The Good Earth bagel shop in 1999 (to raise their two children) the Koeman’s decided to investigate the possibility that it could be the answer to their dream. “We wanted a food business small enough to have hands-on management as well as clean and healthy with no grills of fryers,” stated Cheryl. After all the paper work and finances of transferring ownership, The Good Earth re-opened in February 2000 to a great reception from its previous patrons.
Dave and Cheryl listened and observed their guests for a year before making changes then broadened their menu by adding more sandwiches, soups, salads and a salad bar. These were all enthusiastically received spurring on more changes again by guest requests. This time a natural step was to add a line of their own artisan breads as well as wrap sandwiches and paninis. As the menu grew, so did their business. “We love learning from our guests. They know what they like and want; and we love to try to please them.” said Cheryl. So now on a visit to the Good Earth you will find a unique breakfast menu offering – of course the Good Earth original bagels and cream cheeses as well as delicious breakfast casseroles and sandwiches, scrumptious red skin potato casserole, Flips (puff pastry stuffed with a variety of breakfast goodies) and for the sweet tooth, fresh baked muffins, cookies, danishes, turn-overs, cinnamon rolls and scones.
The those who need that extra push or just enjoy great coffees and espresso, The Good Earth Café serves fresh ground Dowe Egbert coffees (a Dutch coffee company from Holland), lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos.
It has been said, “If you never want to work another day in your life, find something you love to do.” The Koeman’s have done just that and their staff and guests receive the benefits.
By the way, you may just see their children and grandchildren around on your next visit!
