Owners of G and D purchase both Cadillac Java locations

CADILLAC — A popular Cadillac coffee shop has come under new ownership.

The family that owns and operates G and D Pizza and Party Store on Dec. 1 took over operations at the Cadillac Java on Mitchell Street and Java Too in Cadillac West.

G and D owner Paul Kurtzman said they’ve been big fans of Java and the family that owned it for a number of years.

“We knew each other from being Cadillac locals,” Kurtzman said. “We liked that it was a family-run business.”

Kurtzman said with his children recently graduating from college and moving back to the area, the family decided to expand its business footprint in town.

The Kurtzmans bought Java from owners Beth and John Wallin. The Wallins in 2011 purchased the business from Mike and Francie Barker when it was called “Java Express.” In 2012, Beth Wallin and childhood friend Terri Raffaele expanded the business to Cadillac West, opening Java Too on property they leased from the Cadillac Sands.

Kurtzman’s daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Zach Razminas, now will be operating both Java locations.

The Java name and most other aspects of the business will remain the same under new ownership, although Kurtzman said they may gradually add more items to the menu. Given that their background is in pizza, Kurtzman said it might take some time to get acclimated to the coffee business.

Kurtzman said both Java locations are staffed by “an amazing crew” that has remained intact following the ownership change.

Beth Wallin said the decision to sell the business came after they received two different offers within 24 hours of each other, including the one from the Kurtzmans.

While they weren’t thinking about selling at the time, Wallin said that it seemed like a sign from above that it was time to consider it.

“I feel like it’s been a really good decision,” Wallin said. “We think we’ve handed them a well-oiled machine and a successful business. We’re at peace with our decision and I believe the Kurtzmans are going to do a fantastic job.”

It’s only been a few days since the sale was finalized but Wallin said they’re getting used to having more time on their hands.

“We’re just relaxing and enjoying less responsibility right now,” Wallin said. “Getting a feel for what it’s like to be fully retired.”