OUR STORY
How a love for coffee, community, and dogs came together
Coffee & Bark began as a shared dream rooted in years of experience, creativity, and a deep belief that coffee has the power to bring people together. What started with a simple cup — and a lot of heart — grew into a space designed to feel welcoming, inclusive, and genuinely human.
Our journey began with over 25 years of hands-on coffee experience, rooted in Shawn’s career in the coffee industry. What started as a simple cup of coffee grew into a lifelong passion — from serving as a trusted barista to leading teams and shaping coffee programs behind the scenes. Experiencing the coffee world from every angle taught us one undeniable truth: great coffee creates connection.
Alongside that foundation is over 15 years of experience in marketing, branding, and creative direction. Cher Jay brings the heart, storytelling, and vision behind Coffee & Bark — shaping everything from brand identity to the thoughtfully designed spaces guests walk into. From the warm, cozy aesthetic to the details that make the shop feel like home, every element is intentionally designed to feel welcoming, inclusive, and community-driven.
What We Believe
Through years of serving countless guests and working across different brands, one belief has always remained constant — kindness starts with caffeine.
That belief led us to create Coffee & Bark: a warm, inclusive space where high-quality specialty coffee, delicious pastries, and gourmet dog treats come together under one roof. We’re proud to be an inclusive coffee shop and a true “third place” where everyone is welcome — humans and dogs alike.
Whether you’re grabbing your morning latte, meeting friends, attending an event, or bringing your pup along for the ride, Coffee & Bark is your neighborhood coffee shop — a place to sit back, relax, and show up as your entire best self.
Together, we’ve combined decades of coffee expertise and marketing experience to create a space rooted in inclusivity, community, and really good coffee.
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THEIR STORY
The heart behind the “Bark” in Coffee & Bark
The beginnings of Coffee & Bark weren’t always just the two of us — there were four. The true heart of our shop, and the “Bark” in our name, comes from the deep love we shared with our beloved dogs, Q-Tip and Zoey.
Q-Tip
(aka Mr. Tippers & Q)
Q-Tip was our Lhasa Apso and Bichon Frise mix and our very first pup. Loving, kind, and wonderfully independent, he was the definition of a well-trained overachiever. From sit and shake to crawl, grab your leash, freeze, and kisses — there truly wasn’t a trick he couldn’t do.
Through camping trips and everyday life in New York City, Q-Tip was right by our side. He was fearless, loyal, and endlessly curious — but above all, he was our best friend.
Zoey
(aka Zoey Bernard, Zo & Zobers)
Zoey, our Saint Bernard, was our gentle giant. Loving, patient, and deeply intuitive, she entered our lives during a new chapter — the let’s settle down chapter — after moving back home to Michigan.
Tricks weren’t really her thing, but guarding the house absolutely was. She heard everything. Her bark? Ferocious — but always just for show. Zoey had the softest heart and the calmest presence. She wasn’t just our dog; she was truly our baby.
Their Legacy
Coffee & Bark was over two years in the making before our doors officially opened. During that time, we experienced an unimaginable loss. Zoey passed away in June 2022 at the age of 12, followed by Q-Tip in October 2022 at the age of 18.
To honor their memory and the role they played in shaping our dream, we named our private office and conference room The Q and our coworking and event space The Zo. Each room reflects not only their size, but their personalities — thoughtful, purposeful, and full of heart.
Their love is woven into everything we do. Coffee & Bark will always be, at its core, a place built for connection, comfort, and dogs who feel like family.
This space, and the community within it, exists because of them.