Our Story

Walnut & Park is serving up much more than a great cup of coffee.

We know you came to Walnut & Park looking for a great cup of coffee. We’re happy you found us – you came to the right place. There’s a lot more to us than a rich batch brew or a tasty sandwich. Our story begins with the people.

Most Walnut & Park employees are residents of KPEP, an innovative community corrections provider based here in Kalamazoo. The people who prepare the lattes, muffins, burgers, and salads are students or graduates of the KPEP Hospitality program – an 8-week vocational training program. 

This program equips people who have been incarcerated with the job skills they need to help turn their lives around, live independently, and contribute to the community.

Graduates earn AHLEI (American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute) and ServSafe Food Handler certifications as well as CPR/First Aid certification from the Red Cross and OSHA Safety training and can put these skills to work, not only at W&P but at other employers in and around the Kalamazoo area and their home communities

Thanks for dropping by and allowing us the privilege to serve the community this way.

We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th to celebrate and will be back on Friday for all of your coffee needs. 

Stay safe and enjoy your holiday!
We will be closed on Monday May 27 in observance of Memorial Day. Have a great long weekend and we’ll see you bright and early on Tuesday!
We’re feeling this “spring” weather at the cafe so we added some new grab & go’s from our local friends! 
•House Roasted Garlic Hummus & Carrots from @kzoovalleyhub 
•WP Parfait with Mattawan Creamery yogurt and @doughchick GF Chia Crunch Granola
•Cold Brew from @cafericausa 
•The best chocolate milk from @moo_ville 
And of course we keep our stock of @papaspeanutbrittle handy for that sweet treat! 

🤎☕️🌿
This snow is no joke! To keep you and our staff safe, we will be closed tomorrow, Saturday the 13th. 
Stay warm and we will see you all Monday!
We hope you're ready for the holidays!  If not, swing by and check out our gift station to grab those last minute items needed to ensure your holiday is fully caffeinated!
We will be closing on Friday at 4pm so our wonderful baristas can enjoy the long weekend with their families. 
Thank you all for your love and support, we will see you bright and early on Tuesday!
Don't show up to the holidays empty handed!  Come grab a bag of coffee and check out the new merch during our shortened holiday hours.

Thankful for all of your support these past 6 years and looking forward to seeing you soon!
We will be closed on Monday September 4 to give our wonderful staff a long relaxing weekend!

Stay tuned for our seasonal updates, starting bright and early Tuesday morning!
It's rhubarb season here at the cafe and we have a tasty treat to cool you off!
Come try our new Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie, creamy, tart and sweet!