Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore

Please feel free to stop by for a visit or contact one of us below with any questions, comments or general inquires.

Address:
Falling Rock Café and Bookstore
104 East Munising Ave
Munising, MI 49862

Phone:
(906) 387-3008

Email:
Nancy Dwyer: ndwyer@fallingrockcafe.com
Jeff Dwyer: jdwyer@fallingrockcafe.com

Music: If you are a musician and would like information about performing at The Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore, please email cjallured@fallingrockcafe.com.

Books: For information about how to order books including regional, new, used, rare, or out of print books, please email us at books@fallingrockcafe.com.

Food: If you would like information about catering for your special event, please email cheyrman@fallingrockcafe.com.

Driving Directions

Need help finding your way?

Address:
Falling Rock Café and Bookstore
104 East Munising Ave
Munising, MI 49862

Map:
For a map of the area including Falling Rock Café and Bookstore, click here.

Driving Directions:
For driving directions to Falling Rock Café and Bookstore, click here.

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Friends of Falling Rock

As you no doubt know, the Falling Rock Café & Bookstore is a labor of love that would not still be in business without the generosity, support and good will of friends and customers from near and far. We cannot say “thank you” enough. Your collaboration with us over the past 3+ years has made the Falling Rock the type of community-centered business that we dreamed of as we removed 55 tons of trash and building material, refurbished the buildings, and opened for business in May 2003.

Unfortunately, financial realities often intrude on dreams. An article from the Independent Booksellers Association (Click here to read) confirms that independent bookstores across the country are struggling financially and must often utilize unusual means – typically in collaboration with their local community – to remain viable. In Munising, all those attempting to build a new business also face the realities of a feast or famine economy (e.g., the Falling Rock does 75% of its annual gross sales from Mid-June thru Mid-September) and a small year-round population base. As a result, we have found it difficult to remain open as a year-round business and, this past Fall, closely evaluated the possibility of closing the door of the Falling Rock for the 9-month “off season.”

During our deliberations we heard loud and clear from many people . . . “DON’T CLOSE THE FALLING ROCK . . . PLEASE!” As a result, we chose to invite supporters of the Falling Rock Café & Bookstore to join a group that we call “Friends of the Falling Rock.” Membership in “Friends of the Falling Rock” is $100/year per person, renewable in September of each year. Although we are aware that this type of approach is usually reserved for non-profit groups, we have decided that this organization is needed to remain a community-focused year-round contributor to the Munising area.

We mailed letters in mid-September announcing this opportunity, and indicating that we needed a minimum of 100 people to enroll by September 30, 2006, in order to remain open. On October 1, 2006, we received our 100th membership and, to date, membership stands at 132! We are grateful for this support and are thrilled that locals and visitors alike continue to join this organization. Of our current members, approximately 60% are residents of the Munising area, 15% are dual residents (they have a home in the Munising area and elsewhere), and 25% are from out of the Munising area (representing eleven different states). From the feedback we have received, members include regular customers, regular visitors to the area for whom the Falling Rock has become a focal point for their visits, and new visitors who appreciate what the Falling Rock represents and want to support its longevity. Our goal for 2007 (including renewals) is a total of 200 members.

Members of Friends of the Falling Rock enjoy a minimum of three special opportunities/events designed specifically for them throughout the year. During the 2006-2007 winter, for example, these opportunities will include:

Inclusion in a drawing in which the Grand Prize will be an evening and dinner at the North Lighthouse on Grand Island hosted by Loren and Pat Graham.

An evening of wine tasting and discovery (February 2, 2007) hosted by the Falling Rock and conducted by the Wine Master of Black Star Winery from Traverse City, Michigan.

An intimate “Soup Bowl Supper” (March 4, 2007) at the Falling Rock that will include a quiet evening of food, fellowship and music, and the opportunity to keep your soup bowl made by an area potter.

Friends of the Falling Rock will also be invited to additional events throughout the year as they are scheduled and will be recognized as “Friends” inside the café and on our website. As we grow, discounts and other benefits will also be added to the list of reasons you may wish to consider membership.

In addition to becoming a “Friend,” there are many other ways that you can support the Falling Rock. These include, but are not limited to:

Purchase a “gift card” as a gift or for your own repeated use.
Be sure to buy books, gifts, coffee and other items at the FR – or through our website - rather than out-of-town.
Volunteer your time and talent to help with books, organize special events, or work directly with customers.
Continue to encourage friends, neighbors, visitors and strangers to visit the Falling Rock.
Order books for yourself, school and organizations from the Falling Rock.
Donate unneeded or unused books.
Utilize the Falling Rock for parties, special events, or community activities.

You are the essence of the Falling Rock Café & Bookstore and we would appreciate your continuing support through the “Friends of the Falling Rock.” You may enroll at any time using cash, check or credit card. You will receive a renewal notice in September of each year.

Thank you for your interest and your support.

Sincerely,

Jeff & Nancy Dwyer

Interested?

You may pay by cash, check or credit card in-person at the Falling Rock Café & Bookstore; by calling us at (906) 387-3008; or by mailing a check to Falling Rock Café & Bookstore, 104 East Munising Avenue, Munising, MI 49862. Checks may be made out to the Falling Rock Café & Bookstore.

When you enroll, please include Name, Address, Telephone Number and Email address (if applicable). Thank you!