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.

Follow Us @WalnutAndParkCafe

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W&P will be closed on Thursday with regular hours the rest of the week.

Enjoy the holiday and we will see you soon!

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Nov 25

Open
W&P will be closed on Thursday with regular hours the rest of the week. Enjoy the holiday and we will see you soon!

walnutandparkcafe

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!

🤎☕️🌿

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Feb 9

Open
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! 🤎☕️🌿

walnutandparkcafe

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!

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Jan 12

Open
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!

walnutandparkcafe

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!

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Jun 6

Open
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!

walnutandparkcafe

Enjoy these specials on the patio this week!

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Apr 10

Open
Enjoy these specials on the patio this week!

walnutandparkcafe

Update: We’re back in business!

Power is out at the cafe but the diner is open and ready for all your coffee and breakfast needs!
Come down and see us at 1324 Portage Street, we’ll update as soon as the power is back on
☕️❤️

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Apr 5

Open
Update: We’re back in business! Power is out at the cafe but the diner is open and ready for all your coffee and breakfast needs! Come down and see us at 1324 Portage Street, we’ll update as soon as the power is back on ☕️❤️

walnutandparkcafe

Happy 6️⃣ years, coffee family! 🎉

The time has flown by and we wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your support over these last six years. There is more to Walnut & Park than the coffee, it’s about a service to our community. Thank you for being a part of our journey these past 6 years and for your continuing support on our social channels! Every comment, every share, and every like brightens our day and motivates us to continue doing what we do in this community that we love. Cheers to many more years! ☕🤎 #kalamazoocoffee #kalamazoomi

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Mar 24

Open
Happy 6️⃣ years, coffee family! 🎉 The time has flown by and we wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your support over these last six years. There is more to Walnut & Park than the coffee, it’s about a service to our community. Thank you for being a part of our journey these past 6 years and for your continuing support on our social channels! Every comment, every share, and every like brightens our day and motivates us to continue doing what we do in this community that we love. Cheers to many more years! ☕🤎 #kalamazoocoffee #kalamazoomi