Warm, welcoming Northville coffee shop offers taste of Italy
Sweet Brew ‘n Spiace co-owner Rosangela Lytwyn is pictured with Lily Youngblood.
After living most of the first 25 years of her life in Italy, Rosangela Lytwyn decided to add some Italian flair to Sweet Brew ‘n Spice Cafe, the downtown Northville business her and son Sandro have owned and operated since 2021.
The decision was a fantastico one for the Lytwyns, whose business — which has embraced the motto, “Life Happens, Coffee Helps” — has brewed up a healthy following at 133 W. Main St. (Suite 230) inside the Northville Square.
“I’m a hugger and I love talking to people, so owning a place like this with my son is perfect,” said Rosangela, her voice sprinkled with an Italian accent. “Our regular customers are like family to us. We know their names; they’re so supportive.
“The best part of it all is being able to work with my son, spending time with him. I like to think in the future he’ll own this place by himself and one day he’ll be able to tell people he started it with his mom.”
Although the Lytwyns have owned the cafe since 2021 — “We bought it just as COVID was slowing down,” Rosangela reflected — they are hosting a grand re-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony May 17 at 3 p.m., the day they officially remove “Spice” from their nameplate.
Name-changing celebration
“We never had a ceremony when we first opened, so my son thought it was a good idea since we’re changing our name slightly,” Rosangela said. “It will be a fun celebration for our family, friends and customers.”
Exquisitely decorated, Sweet Brew offers an inviting atmosphere, with tables perfectly placed throughout the space, which includes a corridor that connects the east entrance inside Northville Square to the west entryway off Wing Street.
The menu offers a delicious variety of tasty fare — from the eatery’s ultra-popular protein shakes and turkey-and-swiss and turkey-and-mozzarella sandwiches, to a wide selection of gelato, frappes and fresh baked goods prepared onsite daily.
One of Rosangela’s favorite menu items is the Nona soup, which is named after her mother.
“It was something she always made for her kids and we loved it,” Rosangela said. “It’s fun to be able to carry on her tradition.”
Something for everyone
Populating the cafe’s drink menu are espresso-based and coffee-brewed beverages. Customers with a taste for Italy will particularly love the authentic caramel macchiato.
The Lytwyns, who live in Northville, employ a diligent staff, including Lily Youngblood, a graduate of Northville High School.
“Lily is like a daughter to me,” Rosangela said, giving her son’s longtime girlfriend a soft hug.
Sweet Brew ‘n Spice Cafe — soon to be simply Sweet Brew Cafe — is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
