Grosse Pointe News

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New coffee shop in town: Local hangout hits FisherFree Access


A new local hangout has debuted across from Grosse Pointe South High School on Fisher Road. As of Tuesday, Feb. 15, The Sugar Bar’s opening has given students and the community alike a place to gather for good coffee, drinks, pastries and friendship.

In creating the space, owner Vicky Valente envisioned a place where everyone would be welcome.

“The most important thing to me is that it’s very welcoming and that everybody feels welcome,” Valente said. “And the kids, it’s important that they have a place to go.”

Pastries are made in-house at the Sugar Bar, which offers a wide selection of fresh-baked goods.

Located close to South, Valente noted during its first few days of business the shop was flooded with students. Their favorite items on the menu are caramel macchiatos and old-fashioned shakes.

“The shakes are so popular,” she said. “My son goes to (South) and he said, ‘Mom, people are talking about your shakes.’”

Valente said something unique to the shop that makes its products attractive are the quality of products used. In terms of sauces, Valente sourced Ghirardelli, one of the best, she said.

Along with its shakes, the shop offers a full spread of drinks, from hot to cold, blended, smoothies and frappes. With Valente’s background with Caribou Coffee, Peet’s Coffee & Tea and Starbucks, the shop boasts coffee drinks galore. 

To compliment the drinks, Valente stocks a case full of freshly baked pastry goods. She also orders doughnuts from Zerilli Bakery in Clinton Township and bagels from Troy’s Elaine’s Bagels to sell at The Sugar Bar.

After being open two days, Valente said one of her favorite parts about the shop is the regulars — who used to be loyal Caribou customers when she worked there — she has already seen come in to The Sugar Bar.

Photos by Renee Landuyt
Yellow cupcakes with white chocolate mousse frosting and raspberries on top.

“The best thing about working in a coffee shop is making a connection with the community,” Valente said. “And honestly, it’s chill, it’s fun. So that’s kind of what I want people to feel like, kind of at home.”

In the future, Valente envisions potentially using the space to host small events.

“I love the space and the look of the space,” she said, “and I think that it would be a great place to do a little girls’ cupcake birthday party where kids could come in and decorate,” as well as graduation parties, bridal showers, baby showers and other events.

Currently, Valente is operating from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. school days and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, though hours may be flexible as business gets rolling. 

For more information on The Sugar Bar, 373 Fisher, follow the business on Instagram, @thesugarbar313, or Facebook. A website is forthcoming and will be available at thesugarbargp.com.