Brandon Twp.- More than five months after closing in Goodrich, Cheeky Monkeys Bistro will reopen Dec. 4, at 830 S. Ortonville Road.
Owners Marti and Dave ‘Alex? Alexander are looking forward to meeting new customers and welcoming back familiar ones.
‘We’re extremely hands-on and enjoy getting to know everybody,? said Marti. ‘It will be nice getting back to seeing everybody.?
The shop, which features a full coffee bar and baked goods, salads, sandwiches and soups all made from scratch, opened in Goodrich in the fall of 2004, but closed in June when the Alexanders learned the owner of the building they were in planned to sell it.
‘We essentially lost our lease,? says Marti Alexander. ‘We didn’t want to stay while he was selling it. Communication was difficult with him.?
They decided to move to the former Carebee’s Coffee Shop next to Stonehouse Family Dentistry and planned to open months ago, but faced several delays because of permits that needed to be obtained from Oakland County.
The Alexanders like their shop being located on the west side of M-15, making it easy for commuters to grab a cup of java on their way south in the morning, or any of the many breakfast items they carry.
Kirk Walker roasts the coffee, ABeanToGo, on site. At least six types of coffee are freshly brewing everyday. Varieties include hazelnut, Columbian, decaf, and origin coffees, such as Kenyan or Nicaraguan, which have unique characteristics. For the Christmas season, Cheeky Monkeys has Jingle Bell Java, a pecan caramel coffee. Espressos, lattes and cappucinos round out the coffee bar.
With the exception of doughnuts and bagels, all food at Cheeky Monkeys is made from scratch. There are always five or six kinds of jumbo muffins to choose from, which can include raspberry, cranberry nut, chocolate chip coconut, and pumpkin cheesecake. The scones available range from blueberry lemon almond to cranberry white chocolate and gingerbread.
Cheeky Monkeys, whose name was inspired by Marti Alexander’s Scottish great-grandmother who called naughty or precocious children ‘cheeky monkeys,? also has a variety of lunch selections, including salads, and three soups everyday, with the Soup of the Day changing.
Sandwiches made daily with fresh breads, include the Cuban panini and Reuben sandwich.
The Alexanders make smaller batches, because the items don’t have a long shelf life, as they are made preservative-free. Orders can be placed for larger parties, 24-hour notice is requested. Catering is also available.
Cheeky Monkeys? dining area seats 20 and has free internet access for clients who are wireless. Any tips given are donated to area charities.