Small Business Spotlight: Silver Fern Café

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Ben tends to the bakery case filled with fresh-baked treats.

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The Silver Fern Café opened at 114 E Hennepin last fall, delighting customers with ambiance and delicious offerings. We talked to owner Ben Parsell about the inspiration for the business and how they’re different from other coffee and wine shops.

Q:  Can you tell us about your inspiration behind starting the Silver Fern Café?

A:  The inspiration for the Silver Fern draws upon the vibrant cafe culture of Australia and New Zealand. During my first trip 'down under' in the fall of 2022, I was captivated by a common thread in every cafe I visited. People weren't just consuming food and drink; they were actively engaging with each other, stepping away from screens, and immersing themselves in shared experiences. The meticulous presentation of even the simplest menu items emphasized that these offerings were meant to be savored with all the senses. I'm thrilled to bring a slice of this cafe culture to Minneapolis, aiming to create a space where people gather to share conversation, enjoy quality time together, and relish in our delectable food and beverages.

Q:  How do you differentiate Silver Fern from other coffee bars in the area?

A:  Our focus on quality, commitment to sustainability, and a diverse range of offerings set us apart from other cafes, coffee shops, and wine bars in the area. We focus on using fresh and local ingredients, provide vegan and gluten-free offerings, and emphasize community, conversation, and connection. With a seamless transition from a morning coffee shop cafe to a wine bar with small plates, charcuterie, and non-alcoholic beverages in the evenings, there is something for everyone at any time of day. In addition to our food and beverage offerings, we also work hard to bring in local experts, artisans, and businesses to lead a range of engaging classes, events, workshops, and pop ups.

Tuscan Panini

Bagel & Lox

Q:  Talk to us about the menu. Are there seasonal offerings?

A:  Our menu is centered around seasonal, fresh, local ingredients. Our food is light, fresh, and homemade. We work hard to source products and ingredients from local vendors and partner with other small businesses around the metro area to bring our customers fresh, delicious food. In the morning, our bakery case is filled with fresh-baked pastries, muffins, scones, cookies, biscuits, and more. We offer hearty breakfast options including yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, quiche, and a delicious take on bagel & lox with our house-made bagels. Our lunch menu features sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls each of which is prepared to order. At every time of day, we have plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Plus, our menus change seasonally, ensuring there's always a new culinary delight to discover.

Q:  That’s sounds just wonderful. How does the ambiance of Silver Fern contribute to your customers’ experiences?

A:  The ambiance at Silver Fern is carefully curated to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where guests feel at home. From plush booths to bar seating and high-top tables, every element of our space is designed with intention. The lush greenery symbolizes our commitment to sustainability, the bar that transitions from white countertops to black countertops represents our smooth transition from coffee to wine service, while the thoughtful blend of textures and colors adds warmth and playfulness. The result is a space that fully represents what we are about and invites customers to stay for a while and enjoy not only our food and beverages, but our space and the community we create within it as well. 

Q:  What customer favorites have emerged in the months you’ve been open?

A:  Since our opening, our Buttermilk Biscuit and Breakfast Sandwich have garnered rave reviews, becoming instant classics. They continue to wow guests and people come from all over to order one! Our buttermilk biscuit was written up by the Star Tribune. As a southerner myself, I can proudly say it is one of the only true southern-style buttermilk biscuits I have had in Minnesota. We have also been the feature of a number of news segments and podcasts for our coffee - the current favorite is the Orange Brown Sugar Sage Latte made with an orange oleo saccharum that takes more than 8 hours to prepare. We offer a seasonal coffee flight that is perfect for trying out our 4 new seasonal specials each time we change the menu. Customers are also delighted to find out that we use true ceremonial grade unsweetened matcha and whisk it by hand with a bamboo whisk. The small details in our meticulous preparation of our offerings is something that customers can truly taste and sets us apart from other cafes.

Q:  How has it been to open Silver Fern in Old Town Minneapolis? 

A:  Choosing Old Town Minneapolis as the home for Silver Fern was a decision fueled by instinct, and it's proven to be the perfect fit. Since our opening, we've been embraced by the local community, including residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Their warm reception and unwavering support have made our journey incredibly rewarding. We're committed to serving the needs of our community, listening to feedback, and actively participating in local events and initiatives. We're excited to continue growing alongside the vibrant neighborhood of Old Town Minneapolis. We look forward to continuing to participate in local events like Every Voice for Eastside and the Northeast Dog Parade as well as host events for local organizations, and community groups like the neighborhood association.

Q:  We want to know of limited edition drinks and any new bakery items – how may we follow your news?

A:  Follow us on Instagram for news and updates. More information about hours, menus, and events can be found on our website.