A new coffee and ice cream shop is poised to open this summer in downtown Royal Oak. Milford-based roaster Proving Grounds Coffee confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the owners have leased the former Gayle’s Chocolates building at 417 South Washington Ave. in downtown Royal Oak.
The 34-year-old confectionery decamped for warmer climes in Arizona last May, leaving the storefront vacant. Now Proving Grounds owners James Courtney and Daman Auvenshine plan to expand their two-year-old cafe, roastery, and creamery to a second outpost this summer...