story and photos by Cindy Ruggieri
They had me at the name. A place called the Grumpy Grizzly sounded like my kind of place, so I had to check it out. A trendy coffee shop and gift store located in downtown Waverly, it’s warm, inviting and just what I want in a coffee shop.
Housed in an old bank, it combines some features from the bank with contemporary coffee shop updates and décor focused on a grumpy grizzly bear. The large bank walk-in safe is used as a candy shop, the arched windows provide natural lighting and the stone fireplace adds a cabin-in-the-woods ambience. But the Grumpy Grizzly actually started in the building next door and grew into the two connected buildings that are the coffee and gift shop today.
This family business is owned and operated by the Bowman women: Merranda and her two daughters, Jenna and Taylor. In 2018, they purchased an old empty building next door to the bank on Broad Street. “I had always been interested in having a craft and gift shop” said Merranda, “but I knew it needed to be more than that.”
Jenna had recently graduated from college with her business degree. “I really wanted to run my own business, and I had a coffee shop in mind,” Jenna said. Together with Taylor, they worked to create their coffee and gift shop.
The timing seemed right, but the 100-year-old building needed extensive renovations. Merranda’s husband, owner of Bowman Builders, got to work restoring it back to its old-time charm, removing plaster to expose the brick walls, restoring the tin ceiling and cleaning the original tiny tiles on the floor.
“We saved and reused some of the original décor from the old building,” said Merranda. She pointed out the large painting over the entrance, slightly faded but still lovely, and the huge time-worn mirror on the wall. Then they added their own décor such as the cabin façade along the wall and the bear paw prints on the floor. The result is cozy, charming and full of nostalgia.
The Bowman women spent time during the remodel searching for and developing their recipes, wanting to have their own unique menu. Opening in 2020, the Grumpy Grizzly offers a huge selection of coffee offerings along with smoothies, tea, milkshakes, floats and espresso shots. The bagels come in a wide variety of flavors, toppings and sandwiches. Crafts and gifts are featured all around, many of the items created by family members; they also include products from local artisans and New York state small businesses.
When the old bank building next door became available, it was an opportunity to expand the growing enterprise by connecting the two buildings into one business. The Bowmans moved into the renovated bank in September 2024, leaving the craft and gift shop in the original building. There are two completely different vibes to the Grumpy Grizzly – one is the upscale coffee shop, and the other is cozy nostalgia – and it all works really well.
“It was a big decision to move into the building next door because we loved the warm feeling on the original side, but it turned out great,” explained Merranda. The Grumpy Grizzly is a popular stop for the locals, whether they’re picking up a quick grab and go snack or gathering for weekly get-togethers. It’s also easily accessible from the highway for travelers stopping in for a quick bite.
As I relaxed while taking a coffee and bagel break, I watched the steady stream of customers come in. Some were greeted by name and “Are you having the usual?” Others simply grabbed a quick pick-me-up. Great coffee and bagels, a warm and comfortable atmosphere and the only grumpy grizzly was hanging on the wall. It’s a great addition to the small-town charm of Waverly and a place I’ll be visiting often.
