For the owners of Culture Shift, opening a business in Stuart was more than launching a new venture; it was a homecoming.

Two of the owners, Michael and Eric Hayes, grew up in Stuart and have deep roots in the community. Although they left the area for college and pursued careers elsewhere, they eventually returned home, believing the Treasure Coast was the perfect place for something new and different. Their business partner, Aya Maruyama, moved to Stuart in 2021 and quickly fell in love with the area, sharing their vision for a community-centered gathering place.

Culture Shift is a family-owned and operated business built from the ground up with the help of family members who assisted with everything from construction and build-out projects to supporting events and spreading the word. From the beginning, the owners wanted to create more than a place to eat and drink; they wanted a space where people could gather, connect, and feel at home.

The three owners bring a diverse mix of professional experience, including backgrounds in business, law, marketing, hospitality, events, and operations. Eric spent approximately 15 years working as a chef, including at District Table and CoLab Kitchen in Stuart, experiences that heavily influenced the café’s food program and approach to hospitality.

Before opening Culture Shift, each owner worked in a different industry, but they shared a passion for entrepreneurship. Over time, they kept returning to the same idea: Stuart lacked a modern social space where people could gather in a relaxed, welcoming environment. That idea eventually grew into a business plan and, ultimately, Culture Shift.

Today, the business serves multiple purposes. During the day, it operates as a café offering specialty coffee, authentic Japanese matcha, and café-style food. In the evening, the space transforms into The Elixery, a lounge featuring hemp-infused functional beverages, sake cocktails, curated beer and wine selections, fresh raw oysters, and light bites. The venue also hosts a variety of events, including trivia nights, game nights, networking events, private parties, and community gatherings.

The concept was inspired by changing social habits. The owners noticed that more people were looking for alternatives to traditional nightlife, places where they could socialize and meet friends without everything revolving around hard liquor. While the business offers beer, wine, and sake, it was designed to be a place where guests feel equally comfortable whether they choose to drink alcohol or not.

What sets Culture Shift apart is its focus on community and experience. It is not simply a coffee shop or a bar; it is a gathering space where people can work remotely, meet friends, attend events, play games, or simply enjoy conversation. Every detail, from the lighting and music to the menus and event programming, has been carefully considered to create a welcoming atmosphere. The owners often refer to it as “Stuart’s living room.”

The owners encourage residents to support local businesses whenever possible, noting that small businesses are often built and operated by local families. For aspiring entrepreneurs, they recommend asking questions, learning from other business owners, understanding the risks involved, and being prepared to work hard. While building a business can be challenging, they say it is also incredibly rewarding.

Each owner played a unique role in bringing the vision to life. Eric’s culinary background continues to guide the food and beverage program and daily operations. Michael focused on developing the concept and building the foundation of the business behind the scenes. Aya used her marketing and entertainment industry experience to help shape the branding, events, and atmosphere that define the space today.

For the owners, the most rewarding part of the journey has been watching people make the space their own. Seeing customers become regulars, meet their neighbors, celebrate special occasions, and build connections has confirmed that they achieved their original goal: creating a place that truly belongs to the community.