Cory Sullivan stands behind the counter at CoCo’s Coffee and Cafe opening March 1.
by Bridget Weishaar
Cory Sullivan of McLouth has spent the last 21 years of her life serving hundreds of school lunches for the McLouth school district each and every day.
On March 1, Sullivan will embark on a new food service journey called CoCo’s Coffee and Cafe.
CoCo’s is housed in the building at 215 S. Union St., formerly known as The Sweet Life. While Sullivan wasn’t actually looking for a new business venture the opportunity arose and the love for her family and a “calling from God” helped seal the decision for her.
“My daughter-in-law was a customer at The Sweet Life and she loves coffee. She thought it would be a great fit for me. I wanted to do the business for her and she wanted to get it for me. It just all kind of came together,” Sullivan said.
The Sweet Life, owned by Ed and Betty Stevens, closed its doors October 2023. Sullivan purchased the business equipment and began renting the space in early December.
The biggest change inside the new business was flipping the front counter to allow for additional seating. While the Sweet Life had only a few tables for dine-in customers, CoCo’s can now seat up to 18 with the addition of five chairs at the counter and by splitting a few of the larger tables in half.
While Sullivan is nervous about the change of pace, she is hopeful “her kids” will make the transition from the school setting to come see her at the business.
The menu items at CoCo’s are all inspired by or once belonged to beloved family members of Sullivan. Even the business name stems from a childhood nickname Sullivan was given by her dad.
“The potato soup recipe belongs to my husband, Andy, so it will be Poppy’s Potato Soup, along with Chris’s Smash Burger named for my son-in-law. There will be kids meals for the babies and I’m hoping to add a Bulldog Meal in the future,” Sullivan said.
Along with specialty coffees and lattes, the breakfast fare will include homemade biscuit and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, and a chorizo burrito. Omelettes may be added in the near future.
Lunch will consist of a daily special along with a barrage of quick and easy sandwiches and homemade sides. There will be some grab-and-go items in the cold case for options on the run.
Saturday specials will be reserved for Sullivan’s personal favorite foods to make.
Homemade desserts will also be offered during open business hours.
“We will have Harriet’s Cheesecake, Edna’s Chocolate Cake, and Grandma Martha’s sugar cookies,” Sullivan said.
“I’m a simple person and this will be a simple business,” Sullivan said when talking about the menu at CoCo’s. “The high school boys are in charge of bringing in protein shake recipes to add to the menu.”
Orders can be served in-house or ordered for takeout.
The business will operate Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. As Sullivan gets more comfortable with the needs and wants of the public, those hours are subject to change.
Once the business is established, Sullivan plans to invite the fine arts kids from the high school to perform for customers.
While many hands made light work for the opening, Sullivan did 85 percent of the makeover herself, adding personal touches along the way. Memorabilia and handwritten recipe cards line the front counter along with mini porcelain tea sets passed down from family.
The business and its daily specials can be found on Facebook at CoCo’s Coffee and Cafe. Takeout orders can be placed at 913-398-9676.
Sullivan and her husband, Andy, have three children, Andrea (Chris) Carlisle, Brady (Brittany) Sullivan, and Blake Sullivan. The couple have three grandchildren, Jo, Lou, and CC.