Drifter Coffee Ferndale

Jim Shaffer speaks to one of Ferndale's kindest business owners, Alleah Webb, of Drifter Coffee Ferndale. They chatted about how Drifter Coffee got its start in Ferndale and the changes Alleah has had to make during Covid19.

Alleah Webb is the kind of woman who changes the world. Her genuine kindness and love for others radiates through everything she does and her coffee shop in Ferndale is no exception.

Her businesses started out in 2015 as a coffee trailer she named the Coffee Caboose, that she would take to events like Farmers Markets and Music Festivals. A few years later, the right opportunity and location came to her in Ferndale, where she has lives for 7 years. Opening a shop in Ferndale was important to Alleah because her mission is community and as a Ferndale resident, she knew the magic vibe there.

Her shop Drifter Coffee was set up from the very start as an inclusive and safe space for community members to spend time. Drifter opens it arms to the LGBTQ community that Ferndale is often known for. Jim shares that he thinks of Ferndale as 'a small town with a big community" and that Drifter nailed the feeling of community.

A regular of the shop, Jim Shaffer, shares that Drifter feels like home and he loves seeing folks of all different backgrounds there. Jims favorite thing that Drifter Coffee offers is their decadent desserts! He comes for the coffee but never leaves without a treat. Alleah has an in house baker whose passion is to create baked goods that the community wants to eat. The menu caters to vegans, gluten free and all sorts of dietary preferences. Jim Shaffer NEEDS you to try the lemon pound cake and pumpkin donuts.

Since the Michigan Covid19 shutdown, Alleah was not sure if Drifter was going to make it. She started by selling off the goods the shop had to the community so they could avoid grocery stores. Drifter is now bottling coffee as a safe alternative to open beverages. Customers can do curb side pickup and visit the walkup window.

The hearts behind Drifter are asking for kindness and patience when doing business with them. Her primary goal is the safety of her employees and the community, so masks are required and she asks for understanding.

Follow Drifter coffee on Facebook for updates on when you can pop by for a Jim recommended treat or a bottle of coffee!