Satisfy your coffee cravings and support local Black business
This list of Black-owned coffee shops has been updated in light of recent news that Starbucks has banned its employees from wearing Black Lives Matter accessories, resulting in the trending hashtag #BoycottStarbucks. Starbucks is no stranger to boycotts, however.
In 2018, the coffee giant made news when a video went viral showing two Black men at a Philadelphia Starbucks arrested for simply waiting for a client. So, we’ve pulled together a list of Black-owned coffee shops to help you get your next caffeine fix without the drama.
Scroll through to see which local shop you could make a go-to spot. (Make sure to call ahead for current operating hours).
Breaking Bread Café & Catering
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1210 W Broadway Ave., Minneapolis
Founded by Appetite For Change, this neighborhood gem is a great meetup for coffee along with Southern comfort breakfast and brunch options like jerk shrimp and grits and gravy-smothered biscuits.
2417 E Franklin Ave., Minneapolis
Tempt your taste buds at this Seward neighborhood cafe which offers traditional East African coffee and tea, along with everything from paninis and tandoori to crepes.
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934 Selby Ave., St. Paul
This neighborhood staple has a new location but serves up the same great coffee drinks named after jazz greats, as well as tea and popular items like dirty grits and breakfast noodles.
1500 N 44th Ave., Minneapolis
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While technically a barbershop, this Black-owned space has become a go-to spot for style, conversation, and specialty coffee from Peru and Columbia.
500 5th Ave NW # 109, New Brighton
The coffee plant originated in Ethiopia so we’d expect nothing less than roasted perfection at this Ethiopian-owned business.
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3860 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis
Founded by Bilal and his wife Rahel, this coffee staple in the Longfellow neighborhood offers rich Ethiopian coffee, along with smoothies and espresso drinks. Update: The spot will open its doors again on July 1.
1101 W Broadway Ave., Minneapolis
3301 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis
Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and grab a sandwich while you’re at it at this new Northside coffee eatery.
214 4th St E. St. Paul
This Union Depot java joint offers a variety of coffees and teas and is also known for its scrumptious chicken, waffles, and grits.
1830 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis
Both a coffee shop and a bike shop, Venture North aims to engage and empower youth in the community through cycling programs, classes, and employment. They offer organic, locally-made coffee options and plenty of specialty drinks that are sure to satisfy.
Notable mentions:
Gus Dean Coffee — Gus Dean went from veterinarian to coffee connoisseur and business owner. He prides himself in “carefully roasting high-quality beans,” allowing for a smooth, rich, and flavorful taste. Try him out.
Urban Ventures Coffee —This isn’t a Black-owned coffee shop, but proceeds go towards programming aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty in South Minneapolis.
Organo — Save yourself a trip and order this organic gourmet coffee online by local distributor Yvette Turner — coffee that promises to make you healthier from the inside out!
And if you want some tea, try:
Heritage Tea & Beverages — The brick and mortar shop in St. Paul may have closed, but the same tasty teas and beverages can now be ordered online.
Know a business that should be listed? Comment below or email msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com and we’ll update!
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