Sunflower Books and Coffee celebrates third year in business

Ben Garbacz/DMG
The Sunflower Books and Coffee shop at 528 Quincy St. in Hancock is celebrating its third year anniversary under the ownership of Susan Mattila.

Sunflower Books and Coffee reached its third year anniversary this past weekend in Hancock. The store that got its start in December of 2021 has grown from its starting point of the inventory purchased by the current owner, Susan Mattila. Mattila had acquired the skeleton of a bookshop but wanted to expand it past what it was. She expanded the inventory by accepting book donations and kept the coffee service from the prior store.

Her first job out of high school was at a retail coffee shop, and she felt content with continuing to keep the book and café aspects intertwined. She also has a bakery and ice cream to select from at the shop, which gives visitors something to enjoy during any season.

Aside from the books available to purchase, there are also gift items available at the store such as mugs, postcards, U.P. themed items such as magnets and plushies and more. Mattila also enjoys showcasing local or regional authors with book readings and signings and feels very appreciative and appreciated by the community.

The Copper Country community in general is always supportive of small businesses and of local entrepreneurs,” Mattila said. “So just to be able to be one of them that they are supporting has been pretty neat.”

She showed her gratitude during the anniversary towards the Copper Country with daily drawings for a gift certificate, served free cake on Friday had an individual do a Tupperware pop up on Saturday and had a chance to spin a prize wheel for discounts or additional items. Some of these celebratory discounts will continue into Monday.

“Thank you to the community for all the support,” Mattila said. “And we’ll see where we go.”