New coffee shop lays groundwork to be successful

VERMILION — A new coffee shop grinds out robust coffee and flavorful food.Sherry Miller-Francis and her husband Chris Francis opened Brewed Awakening coffee shop at 5485 Liberty Ave. in December. Miller-Francis and her husband, lifetime residents of Vermilion, never dreamed of living anywhere else than the picturesque shores of their hometown."I've always been a fan of coffee shops and it's been a dream to open one in Vermilion. It's a quint little town and everyone knows everybody," Miller-Francis said. "I work in Parma and people always ask 'why don't I move closer,' but I couldn't live anywhere that doesn't have the lake."Sherry Miller-Francis opened Brewed Awakening with her husband Chris.The Francis family got the chance to realize their dream of opening a coffee when a small space became available on Liberty Avenue, but they actually moved two doors down mid-renovation when a larger space became available.The shop's name — a pun on "rude awakening" — was thought up by Miller-Francis after they decided they wanted a clever name to attract attention. They then came up with a logo and the slogan "great coffee on a great lake."The coffee shop also serves bagels from New York, smoothies, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, salads and more. They also offer catering for events. The reception from the community since they opened their doors has taken the Francis family by surprise."They welcomed us with open arms. We've been overwhelmed with how supportive the community has been," Miller-Francis said. "We already have regulars who come here every day."Business has been going so well that they plan to add more space and a second bathroom to stay up to code because of the number of customers they've attracted.Outside the bagels they get from New York, Brewed Awakening tries to keep its business local using area companies for supplies and to make its T-shirts. The coffee shop is run as a family business with Miller-Francis operating it in the afternoon and her son handling the mornings. Her other two sons also help out when they're available."It's a family dream that became a reality," Miller-Francis said.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterBrewed Awakening opened in Vermilion in December