Today (Friday) marks 25 years of Cup of the Day in downtown Sault Ste. Marie and customers will celebrate by sipping on their favorite lattes or cappuccinos for just $1 all day long.
“I couldn’t be where I am today without all my employees and customers,” owner Anthony Stackpoole said.
Dating back to early 1997, a 29-year-old Stackpoole sought to go into business for himself. Having worked in food service for many years, to include the time he spent managing Penny’s Kitchen, he already had a business plan in mind.
Stackpoole purchased and remodeled the interior of a building along Ashmun Street to his liking in as little as three to four months.
“I did everything except the plumbing and the electrical work,” said Stackpoole. “Then I had a professional put down the floor because I wanted it to last, and it's lasted.”
The business has seen its share of changes over the years, from food menu options to sales items and more.
“I try to keep Michigan made products,” said Stackpoole. “I have a lot of coffee and tea related, retail gifts. I have gourmet snacks and chocolates and things like that.”
What is now a store containing locally made arts and crafts was once home to a hair salon. That same backroom now also houses an air hockey table, books, games and puzzles for kids.
Stackpoole’s life has changed a lot along the way too. He is married to Marcae and they have two children together, Annika and Robert.
In fact, Robert’s St Mary's Catholic Elementary School kindergarten class enjoyed some ice cream during a visit on Thursday. They filled their little faces with Superman, mint chocolate chip, and chocolate sugar cones.
As the Stackpoole family grew, so did the store’s menu.
It now offers an array of lattes, cappuccinos, frappuccinos, hot teas, and fruit smoothie flavors. Customers may order specialty sandwiches, soups and salads. There are even food choices for vegetarians and young taste pallets. For those with larger appetites, special requests like extra turkey on a sandwich are available upon request.
The cafe was one of the few Michigan restaurants continuing to serve food throughout the pandemic.
A Facebook Post from Nov. 21, 2020 read:
“Cup of the Day has been the only local restaurant which has been open for the entirety of the COVID epidemic. During this time we have maintained & improved upon our impeccable cleanliness standards. During these past 9 months we have provided thousands of meals to locals & tourists during this time. Cup of the day has not transmitted a single case to any customer. Despite the ongoing social media campaign against our business, we are committed to serving our friends & our community as we have always done so. For the last 24 years Cup of the Day follows, meets & exceeds all guidelines, policies & procedures of the Michigan Food Code & the Food Law of the State of Michigan, so mandated & enforced by the Chippewa County Health Department.”
However, some employees still felt unsafe in public environments where viral exposure could potentially occur. That was when Stackpoole called upon his wife to join him at the restaurant.
Mrs. Stackpoole can typically be seen chatting and laughing with customers from behind and away from the counter. This has been good for business, since the restaurant is home to many different events.
As the Chippewa Republican Party chairperson, Stackpoole hosts various political meetings for constituents and local leaders. Sometimes, other groups and organizations utilize the space as well.
But Cup of the Day is not done changing just yet.
The Annika and Robert Little Free Library will be placed out by the entrance this summer. It is currently filled with children’s books for all young readers, and located in the backroom for public use.
The Stackpooles would like to remind customers that the restaurant is family friendly, and all are welcome.
Cup of the Day is located at 406 Ashmun St., Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
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