Chawich, 24, was born in Lebanon. He moved to East Lansing when he was young. With an aesthetic and menu inspired by his Lebanese roots, his shop brings an experience to the coffee scene in the Lansing area.  

“I never ask how we can be better than the competition,” Chawich said. “I ask how we can be different.”

The desire to be different is displayed in his menu. He offers unique items like baklava and Arabic coffee --- treats that he grew up enjoying every morning.

Chawich is not just an entrepreneur with a passion for good coffee --- he’s also a student. When he’s not crafting new lattes, he’s studying for a master’s degree in marketing research from Michigan State University. While balancing entrepreneurship and academics can be challenging, Chawich said he likes to stay busy.

“Because I started a business this early on in life,” Chawich said, “A lot of people are surprised that I’m the owner. When they ask for the owner and it’s me, they think I’m a barista working.”

Chawich’s business also pays homage to his academic roots by collaborating with MSU students, specifically the Interior Design Student Organization.

“We are planning to work with student organizations and different colleges,” Chawich said. “Like, we had an interior design student design the place.”

The window sills are lined with leafy plants. A chair is draped in a MSU throw blanket. Curated by interior design freshman Adreienne Wright, the aesthetic choices are symbolic of how Chawich’s different identities combine to create such a unique space. 

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor attended the grand opening event. He said that it’s great for Lansing to have small business owners that are willing to invest in the community and provide a desired service.

“People are excited to be able to come and grab some food, grab a drink, have some meetings, sit and study,” Schor said. “It really is a need, and we've got a young entrepreneur who is killing that need. So it's exciting.”

Schor said that he treasures the diversity that Lansing has, and Château Coffee Co. is a great example of it.

Taylor Thrush is an employee at Chateau Coffee Co. She said that having a young boss has been a great experience because Chawich helps each employee tap into their own personal skills. 

“We kind of all just know what the goal is and we all work together towards that common goal,” Thrush said. “It’s really easy when your boss has that same mentality.”

Each employee is determined to create a coffee shop with an inviting, homey atmosphere that people want to come back to.

“Different, innovative and good customer experience,” Chawich said. “Those are the three goals.”