It started as an M-15 coffee shop, but Carebees now offers grilled panini and specialty-bread sandwiches as well.
‘We’re changing to more of a lunch crowd now,? said owner Theresa Nance, who opened Carebees in February 2004.
‘We’re trying to fill in the void between the morning rush and the afternoon.?
Area teachers and commuters find Carebees a tasty’and inexpensive’place to treat themselves to breakfast or lunch.
Carebees offers five flavors of locally-roasted ABeanToGo gourmet coffee daily, chai tea, Numi specialty teas, and 57 flavors of frappes, frozen latte or cappuccino.
‘I’m just a big flavor nut,? Nance says.
The breakfast crowd will also find quick eats like bagels, biscotti, turnovers, muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit, along with bagel sandwiches and breakfast burritos, made with cheese, eggs, and ham or bacon.
ABeanToGo coffee beans are also sold at the shop, and customers can special-order ground coffee, Nance says.
For a quick and satisfying lunch, Carebees offers a variety of sandwiches, soup, cookies, and frozen smoothies.
Panini’a hot grilled Italian-style sandwich’is one of the shop’s unique lunch specialties.
‘I don’t think anyone else around here has panini,? Nance said.
Turkey, ham, roast beef, chicken salad, and chicken breast sandwiches are made fresh daily, on slices of Great Harvest Bread Co. specialty bread.
Each day of the month Carebees offers two to three different varieties, with new flavors each day of the week, such as Parmesan Herb Mozzarella, Pepperjack Salsa, Swiss Cheese Pesto, Country French, and White Cheddar Garlic.
Customers enjoy the variety.
‘They just call and ask, ‘What kind do you have today??? said Nance, who recommends calling ahead for the quickest service on multiple sandwich orders.
Chicken salad on Northern Cherry Almond or cranberry-filled Rockridge Crunch are frequently requested favorites.
With sandwich prices ranging from $1.69 to $3.99, Carebees is a steal for customers who want to eat well without dropping a fortune.
‘When people come here they’re like, ‘What??? said Nance.
‘People tell me ‘You need to charge more? but I think it’s reasonable.?
Carebees? considerate pricing doesn’t affect the quality of products or service at the coffee and sandwich shop.
‘People think that if you’re cheap you don’t have good quality, but people are happy with it,? Nance says.
Nance has always thrived on catering to morning customers.
After working at a doughnut shop, Nancy knew a friendly coffee shop was the business for her.
‘I saw how much people consumed coffee,? she said. ‘I studied a lot about it and researched it. I kind of kept my eye on it for a couple years, I just thought it would be fun.?
Future plans include extended hours, outside patio tables, or expanding if a larger building is constructed to offer more, ‘still keeping it simple, but more variety,? said Nance, who has no plans to leave the area.
‘Carebees is a good fit for the community. I really enjoy it here. When people are personable and friendly it makes you feel comfortable,? said Nance.
‘This is what I want. I wanted somewhere more small-town, cozy and comfortable to match me and my personality.?
830 Ortonville Road, Ortonville. Hours: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. (248) 627-3185.