Ferris Coffee & Nut Co., a coffee roaster and nut distributor based in Grand Rapids, Mich., acquired JP’s Coffee, a coffeehouse located in downtown Holland, Mich. JP’s Coffee also owns and operates The Midwest Barista School, which offers complete training experience for starting a coffee business. This acquisition bolsters Ferris Coffee's commitment to high-end beverages while providing JP's Coffee new potential markets and additional resources for future growth.

JP's Coffee will remain an independent location and will continue to operate under the JP's brand and the direction of company founder Jack Groot while benefiting from the added resources, team and national reach of Ferris Coffee. The Midwest Barista School at JP's also will continue its commitment to developing exceptional industry professionals from around the world.

Ferris Coffee will use the acquisition to help spark new approaches to its efforts in high-end beverages as it looks to build on more than 90 years of success. According to Ferris Coffee, the addition of JP's brings new, world-class coffee and service expertise, as well as important insights into the intersection of coffee and community.

"Adding JP's Coffee is a great move for our organization and our customers, given our highly complementary locations, values and strong community commitment," said John VanTongeren, president and owner of Ferris Coffee, in a statement. "Ultimately, we both view coffee as a relational beverage that brings people together. This move will improve both companies while setting a strong foundation for growth."

In addition to his continuing leadership role at JP's Coffee, Groot will serve as director of retail operations for Ferris Coffee. In that role, Groot will oversee Ferris' growing retail operations and continue to train and develop new talent through JP's Midwest Barista School. His experience also will provide insight as Ferris Coffee opens its flagship coffee bar on Grand Rapids' west side this summer. No further staff changes are planned at either company.

"West Michigan has always been home to both of our businesses,” Groot said in a statement. “We share the same values and the same service-first culture, so we see no better place to invest and grow together than in Michigan. We are excited to partner with Ferris Coffee, as our similar cultures and complementary service strengths make this transaction a natural fit. We see great opportunity in combining to create an organization focused on quality coffee with enormous potential for future success."

Best known for its classic coffeehouse feel, JP's Coffee has been serving customers for more than 20 years. The store offers a selection of whole bean coffees, fresh-baked treats, and loose-leaf tea served by its staff of trained baristas.