Small Business Spotlight: Backstory Coffee Roasters
Friday, July 7, 2023 at 3:39AMArticle by Becky Fillinger, photo credit Andrew Reiland, Superwell Co-Creative
A Discussion with Kristina Oak, Retail Manager
We’re coffee-obsessed here in Minneapolis. A 2022 survey found that Minneapolis ranked 27th out of 100 U.S. cities for coffee-loving citizenry. Here’s an establishment you must try – Backstory Coffee Roasters. We spoke to Kristina Oak, Retail Manager of BCR in The Duffey, 528 Washington Avenue N. You’ll find a friendly space, hand-crafted drinks, delicious baked goods and many satisfied repeat customers.
Q: You’ve been open for 7 months now in your North Loop location in the street level of The Duffey. How is it going for the business?
A: We’ve had an amazing first 7+ months in the North Loop. The community here is vibrant and lively, and very focused on supporting the local businesses in our neighborhood. Our space is filled every day with folks working on their laptops, holding business meetings, connecting with friends. It’s a dog-friendly lobby, which allows folks to bring the whole family when they visit us! Sharing our space with the Duffey Lofts apartments has been great- they’ve transformed this historic ironworks building into a truly special space, and we’re very happy to be here.
Q: Could you tell us about your signature coffee drinks? Do you have seasonal drinks and food options?
A: Seasonal food and beverages are a key aspect of what we do here at BCR. Our Summer Seasonal Specialties include a Peaches & Cream Latte, Pina Colada Cold Brew with coconut rum cold foam, and an herbal tea latte, the Summer Tiger Matcha. This season’s menu is all about the bright, fruity flavors of summer, while our spring menu leaned more into the floral, and our fall and winter menus also highlight the produce and flavors of those seasons. We offer a seasonal selection of pastries from local bakeries Vikings & Goddesses Pie Company and Sift Gluten Free. In addition to our seasonal menus, we offer frequent holiday weekend specials, and a State Fair-inspired menu at the end of every summer.
From our roastery, you’ll find fresh seasonal coffees coming in every month or so. Look for a perennial favorite, the fruity and bright Summer Break Blend, on our offerings list through August!
Q: Please tell our readers about your coffee subscription services.
A: It’s a beautiful thing when freshly roasted coffee appears on your doorstep without a second thought - and that’s what our coffee subscriptions do! Subscriptions are available in various sizes and at various frequencies, with your choice of coffee. Purchase one for yourself, or give one as a gift! We roast our coffee in Saint Paul, at our West Side roastery and coffee bar, and orders are packed and shipped immediately after roasting.
Q: What makes Backstory Coffee Roasters unique?
A: At BCR, we seek to make specialty coffee approachable and welcoming. Our staff is committed to our values of passion, seeking excellence, care for people and care for planet, and you’ll see the evidence in everything we do. We source coffees largely through direct-buying relationships with farms and mills around the world. We choose them for their quality and flavor, but also for the use of sustainable growing practices and supportive working conditions for the folks growing and processing the fruit. At our coffee bars, you’ll meet baristas with roots in our local communities, who are passionate about their craft and about connecting with our neighbors. Whether you’re looking for a single-origin espresso or a well-done classic mocha, we’ve got something for you!
Q: Do you hold events in your shop?
A: We’re still assessing plans for events in our North Loop space. As of now, expect occasional sampling events of new seasonal coffees, as well as weekend beverage specials! Keep an eye on our social media pages for other BCR events held at our West Side-STP coffee bar, where we have a large yard and abundant parking! Private event inquiries for our North Loop-MPLS space are managed in partnership with the Duffey Flats, and can be sent to me at kristina@backstory.coffee.
Q: How may we follow your news?
A: The best ways to keep up with us are to follow us on Instagram and Facebook and join our email lists! You can sign up for coffee bar newsletters by joining our rewards program at the end of your transaction at one of our coffee bars. To sign up for roastery/seasonal coffee release newsletters, join that mailing list by visiting our website.
