The final chapter (so far) in the story of The 601 Group starts, somewhat unexpectedly, with a boxing gym.

As we began planning for The Local Epicurean East Lansing, we spent months searching for the right location—even before the franchise agreement was signed. We explored new developments, old buildings, strip malls, indoor malls, stand-alone storefronts—you name it, we considered it.

As we continued to grow For Crêpe Sake and Brown Butter, our trips back and forth to Grand Rapids became more frequent. And on nearly every visit, we found ourselves stopping in next door—to a charming little shop called The Local Epicurean.

We’d pick up fresh pasta, take-and-bake dinners to feed the family or a unique bottle of wine. But over time, it became more than just a convenient stop. We started talking more with Steve and Ryan, the founders and owners of The Local Epicurean and learning the story behind what they had built.

“Yes, actually just prior to the pandemic we met with a business broker about selling the business.”

That was the one-line response to my email. I had reached out to Brown Butter Crêperie & Café on a whim, after ordering a Mother’s Day Brunch Box and being blown away by the creativity of the experience. I didn’t expect much—maybe a quick conversation.

Instead, a few back-and-forth emails and some quick diligence later, the business was ours.

March 2020 changed everything.

Like every other restaurant, we were forced to shut down. At first, it was just a temporary closure. Then, we tried switching to takeout only. But being in downtown Lansing, our business relied heavily on foot traffic—state workers, office employees, and the daily buzz of commerce. Now, the streets were empty. Outside of a few incredibly loyal customers who stopped by out of the kindness of their hearts, sales had essentially dropped to zero.

Some ideas start with a business plan. Others begin over breakfast.

When Gina and I moved back to Michigan after eight years in Atlanta, we felt a pull to reconnect with the community we had always considered home. East Lansing was where Gina was born and raised, where we met while at Michigan State, and now, where we were raising our family.