About Herman's Boy

Herman's Boy was founded in 1979 by Sharon and Floyd Havemeier. At the time, the business was named The Melting Pot, and was located in downtown Rockford, Michigan. The Melting Pot sold cheese, meats, bagels, pastries, nuts, and gifts. 

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The Coffee Ranch, a Grand Rapids-based coffee roastery that was founded in 1901, was acquired by The Melting Pot in 1982. Other businesses came under The Melting Pot umbrella throughout the following years, including the O'Fudge Candy Shoppe, The Cookery Nook, and the Outdoor Cook. These acquisitions brought authentic Mackinac style fudge, cookware, and a smokehouse to the business. 

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In 1999, as a fondue restaurant by the same name was expanding into Michigan, The Melting Pot changed its name. Floyd's father was named Herman and, growing up in small-town Minnesota, people would often refer to him not as Floyd, but as Herman's Boy. Thus, Herman's Boy came to be. 

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Herman's Boy outgrew the downtown Rockford location in the early 2000s, and reopened at 220 Northland Drive in 2006. Now, the business is operated out of a century-old farmhouse with a barn, silos, and other outbuildings on the premises. 

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The businesses was handed to Floyd and Sharon's three sons, Jeff, Doug, and Brian, in 2012. In 2026, the business was bought by Doug's stepson, Zac, along with Zac's wife Emily, Emily's sister Ali, and Ali's husband Jamie. 

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Today, the business continues to offer specialty, fresh-roasted coffee, along with confections, baked goods, smoked meats, deli products, teas, and a wide assortment of kitchenware. ​

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Herman's Boy has been a staple in the Rockford community for over 45 years, and has kept the 125-year legacy of The Coffee Ranch alive. Please stop in and see us - we'd love to share a cup of coffee with you!