Serving Coffee, Building Community: The Strausbaugh Award-Winning Biggby Story

Cara Boehm
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 15 hours ago

Pictured: Megan Strausbaugh, Stan Strausbaugh, Sue Strausbaugh with the Big B Cup Award

“It’s hard to say there’s a better Biggby story than this.” – Michael McFall, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Biggby Coffee.

After nearly twenty years in business, The Strausbaugh Family has been honored with the highest recognition a Biggby Coffee owner/operator can receive- The Big B Cup Award.

Presented at the 2025 Biggby Coffee Annual Conference, this award is hand-selected by Biggby Co-CEOs Bob Fish and Mike McFall to one outstanding owner/operator that best represents the core values of Biggby Coffee. Reminiscent of The Stanley Cup, this prestigious traveling trophy is proudly displayed locally at the 720 N. Clinton St., Defiance, OH location for the next year.

Sue Strausbaugh began her Biggby journey in 2006, turning a deeply personal dream into a thriving, multi-generational business. It was originally the vision of Sue Strausbaugh and her late daughter Erica to open a coffee shop after Erica graduated from culinary school. Though Erica tragically passed away before that dream could be realized, the family pressed forward in her honor.

Wanting to make a meaningful impact in her hometown of Defiance, Sue explored various coffee franchise opportunities. When she discovered Biggby Coffee, Sue felt an immediate alignment with the company’s mission and values, especially when it comes to commitment to community and consistency in coffee excellence. It was the perfect platform to turn her vision into a reality.

Sue took a leap into creating what is now a multi-generational legacy that started in the heart of Defiance, Ohio. Today, Sue Strausbaugh, along with her son and daughter-in-law Stan and Megan Strausbaugh, own and operate 4 Biggby locations across Northwest Ohio.

In 2007, Sue Strausbaugh opened the doors to her first Biggby Coffee at 720 N. Clinton St., Defiance, OH. This was one of the first rural franchises in Ohio, and Sue blazed a trail as one of the first woman-owned franchises.

Over the years, Sue has mentored and trained many other store owner/operators across the area and has exemplified what it means to lead with heart. Her community-first approach has served as a blueprint for others in the franchise network.

Sue Strausbaugh said of the Big B Cup Award, “The reason we do so much for the community is because the community does so much for us. Thank you for your continued support. And to our phenomenal staff, we couldn’t do this without you.”

Sue has set a standard of community involvement since they first opened. She contacted the

local radio host Rick Small as soon as the business was open about partnering and doing a live drive monthly to benefit local non-profits and organizations, which they still do today. They have given a platform to so many local charities, including United Way of Defiance County, Defiance Area YMCA Festival of Trees, Kaitlyn’s Cottage, American Cancer Society, Ravens Care, Tiana’s Wish, Christmas For Kids, and so many other worthy causes.

With the next generation joining Sue, Megan and Stan Strausbaugh brought renewed energy and

vision to the family business. In 2020 The Strausbaugh Family opened their second location, 3994 E Harbor Rd., Port Clinton, OH. In 2024, they expanded again by launching their third location at 1936 E. Second St., Defiance, OH. Shortly after, they purchased the existing Biggby Coffee franchise located at 1001 S. Main St., Bryan, OH. Stan emphasizes that each expansion carries the same community-driven purpose: “With the addition of our Bryan, OH location, we are implementing a stronger community-focus in giving back and making an impact, just like we have done in Defiance.”

The Strausbaugh Family has built more than just coffee shops. They have created safe, welcoming community spaces. There is a place for everyone at Biggby Coffee, and you’ll be treated with a warm welcome and friendly face each and every time. So, here’s your cue to take a well-deserved coffee break, head to your local Biggby, and order up a cup of happiness. Support the family who has made community their business.