Grand Rapids, Mich. — Scorpion Hearts Club on Wealthy Street posted its ingredient and payroll costs on social media this week and said it will close an hour earlier on weekdays starting Oct. 13 to hold down expenses.
The cafe at 1035 Wealthy St. SE shared figures comparing early 2025 and early 2026 spending on coffee, milk, cups and lids, which rose from less than $9,000 a month to more than $10,000 a month, and payroll that climbed from around $10,000 a month to more than $13,000 a month.
The owner said the post answered reviews that called drink prices too high and argued the shop is not turning a large profit. Larger chains can buy ingredients in greater volume, the owner said, while a single neighborhood cafe cannot match those savings.
Under the new schedule, the coffee shop will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday beginning Oct. 13, and the owner plans to work behind the bar on weekends to save on payroll. Other locally owned cafes and restaurants in Grand Rapids related to the cost squeeze described in the post.
The Wealthy Street shop began as Sparrows in 2007 and later rebranded as Scorpion Hearts Club. It has roasted coffee on site in past years and remains a neighborhood gathering place even as operating costs climb.
