The Steele Street Forza made infamous by the slaying of four Lakewood Police officers three years ago is a Forza no longer.
The legacy honoring the officers remains.
Courtney and Oliver Marshall, who bought the Forza franchise two years ago, have decided to leave the Forza family, keep the store and change the brand.
Beginning today, the coffee shop at 11401 Steele St. in Parkland will be known as Blue Steele Coffee Co. – Blue to honor law enforcement and Steele to identify the location.
“We decided this was a good opportunity for us to improve the quality of everything,” Courtney Marshall said this week.
Rising franchise fees contributed to the decision, she said.
She also said this store was more than a simple coffee shop, living within the memory of Pierce County residents because of the events of Nov. 29, 2009.
That’s when gunman Maurice Clemmons ambushed Sgt. Mark Renninger and officers Greg Richards, Tina Griswold and Ronald Owens as the four began their shifts on that Sunday morning.
Outside the coffee shop stands a memorial to the fallen officers, and Marshall said Blue Steele is committed to preserve it. That includes maintaining the flag display, weeding the flower beds, providing new flowers and otherwise beautifying the area.
Marshall also said a scholarship fund would be established for Washington High School students interested in careers focusing on law enforcement or community service.
The staff from the Forza shop will be retained.
Along with coffees and teas, the store will offer house-made vanilla syrup and house-made chai, Marshall said.
Today sees the beginning of a soft opening under the new brand. A grand opening is slated for July.
c.r.roberts@thenewstribune.com
253-597-8535
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