La Colombe Bets Nearly Half a Billion Dollars on Michigan Ready-to-Drink Future
La Colombe Coffee Roasters is doubling down on ready-to-drink coffee with a $479 million expansion of its Michigan production facility—the largest single investment in Muskegon County history.
The Philadelphia-founded specialty roaster, now owned by Greek yogurt giant Chobani, will nearly triple the size of its Norton Shores plant to meet surging demand for its canned lattes and cold brew products.
The Numbers
The investment breaks down into $132 million for new construction and $347 million for equipment upgrades at the 6366 Norton Center Dr. facility. The first phase adds nearly 53,000 square feet to the existing 40,000-square-foot plant, including expanded truck loading areas. A second phase will add another 2,000 square feet to the building’s core.
Foundation work could begin within weeks of the Norton Shores Planning Commission’s approval, granted January 13.
Growth Story
The expansion will create 100 new jobs, bringing the plant’s workforce to around 350. That’s a dramatic climb from the 37 workers who started production when La Colombe first opened its Michigan doors in September 2016.
The facility runs around the clock, producing the canned Draft Lattes and cold brew that have become fixtures in grocery store coolers and convenience shops across the country.
Chobani’s Coffee Play
Chobani acquired La Colombe for $900 million in late 2023, seeing opportunity in the fast-growing ready-to-drink coffee category. Since then, the food company has poured over $30 million into the La Colombe brand, including $10 million in West Michigan infrastructure improvements during 2024 alone.
This latest investment signals Chobani’s confidence that canned coffee has room to grow. The RTD coffee market has exploded over the past decade, with consumers increasingly reaching for grab-and-go options that deliver specialty-grade quality without the cafe visit.
Why Norton Shores?
“This is a historic amount of investment into Norton Shores, much less Muskegon County,” city planner Ted Woodcock told local media.
The western Michigan location offers logistical advantages for national distribution, with relatively affordable real estate and an existing workforce already trained in beverage production. City officials are discussing potential additional property purchases as La Colombe eyes future expansion phases.
Why This Matters
The specialty coffee industry’s growth isn’t limited to third-wave cafes and single-origin pour-overs. Ready-to-drink products have become a major revenue stream for roasters seeking to scale beyond the cafe counter.
La Colombe’s bet is clear: the future of specialty coffee includes a whole lot of aluminum cans and refrigerated shelves. For coffee lovers who want craft quality at convenience-store speed, that future looks well-funded.