Buying Bailiwicks

After nearly a decade as a downtown Tiffin staple, Bailiwicks Coffee Company is evolving. The shop's owner and self-proclaimed "coffee chemist" Jess Wirth has purchased the building the store inhabits at 62 S. Washington St. Additionally, Wirth plans to invest tens of thousands of dollars into building renovations and new equipment over the next five years. Wirth decided to purchase the building in January, but she was just approved for a grant from the Tiffin Architectural Board of Review to help pay for masonry and wall repair. The investment doesn't stop with the $8,215 Downtown Façade Enhancement Grant — Wirth plans to put $70,000 into building renovation over the next three years. As for equipment, Wirth expects $35,000 in new equipment upgrades by 2026. She first started renting the building from Sloss-Wick, Ltd. in October of 2011. Sloss-Wick purchased it in 1994. "It has been the goal to purchase the building since day one," Wirth said. "Initially, when starting a brand new business, it was ideal to lease and minimize the risk and start-up capital." Now after nine years of growth, Wirth decided to fully establish her roots in downtown Tiffin. The last major investment Wirth made in her business was a coffee roaster, which still lives in the front of the store. She bought the roaster five years ago in order to introduce a locally-roasted coffee line, which is bagged and sold in store. "I will be looking to purchase a larger roaster and more equipment in the next few years," Wirth said. "This has the potential to add new jobs to downtown Tiffin." "Bailiwicks has been an integral part of the revitalization of downtown Tiffin," said Nick Dutro, Economic Development Manager for the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP). Back in 2011, when TSEP was called the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC), it began a project to revitalize the area. Bailiwicks was established the same year, in the same building that SIEDC and the Chamber of Commerce used to operate in. In 2013, the store received SIEDC's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. "I'm excited that Bailiwicks is celebrating 9 years in business this year, and that I've been able to continue to invest and grow this business in that time," Wirth said. "Thank you to the Tiffin community for all of your support throughout the years." Wirth is particularly thankful for the community's continued support through the COVID-19 pandemic. Last spring came with many insecurities for the food service industry, but Wirth's team fought for the business side by side with her. Despite a difficult year for businesses across the country, Bailiwicks is thriving. The building on the corner of South Washington and East Perry streets has nowhere to go but up.