Bixby's - (218)999-4230

Grand Rapids Bixby's NOW OPEN at the Itasca County Family YMCA!!!!!!!

In order to fully appreciate where you are, it’s wise to look back to where you started. Larry and Terry Hopkins along with their wives Carrie and Kelly opened Bixby’s Bagels in October of 1997. They came across this up and coming franchise while looking for a new venture. It seemed to fill a need in our community and paved the way for the taste of specialty coffees, soups, and bagel sandwiches along with a gathering place for friends, families, and even business people to come together and enjoy a friendly atmosphere.

Bixby’s relocated to the corner of Pokegama Avenue and Golf Course road in December of 2002. This was a celebration for the owners, staff, and customers! It was fresh, new, and not only had a drive-thru but also a spacious meeting room with lots of windows.

The owners hadn’t planned on or thought about selling. But when the opportunity came three separate times, and after a lot of prayer, the Hopkins decided to consider the possibility. After being in the food business for over 20 years, the Hopkins thought a change of pace might be good. So in March of 2012 the Hopkins sold the Pokegama building and Bixby’s closed its doors. Everyone was sad to have to say goodbye to Chicken Chili and the Jumpin’ Monkey.

In September of 2014, the Itasca County Family YMCA contacted us asking if we would consider putting in a bid for a coffee kiosk in the new addition and remodel. Terry’s daughter Lily had always wanted to own and operate her own coffee shop and Terry had been mentoring the Kruse family in business, so this seemed like a perfect chance to form this new Bixby’s crew! All said and done, the Hopkins family, Terry, Kelly, Bridger, Rochelle, and Lily, and the Kruse family, Ryan, Britta, Zak, and Kairiss, decided to take on the task of starting up Bixby’s once again!

We are all very excited to be a part of the Itasca County Family YMCA and its new Active Living Center. Bixby’s has always had a heart for bringing our community together, and we hope to continue! The opportunity to partner with the YMCA has been a huge blessing and so much fun! Bixby’s patrons along with the YMCA members will not only have a place to gather, but a place to enjoy a healthy meal, beverage, or good cup of coffee (Yes, a workout too!). You can say hello to Chicken Chili and the Jumpin’ Monkey once again! And as we like to say “Y not Bixby’s?!”

Bixby's. Building Community...One Cup at a Time.

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