“I wanted to invest in the space specifically downtown where people can gather,” she said. “I’m also a bit of a self-proclaimed coffee snob as it is. I wanted to create a space with my interests involved. Where people can hang out and get some really good drinks.”

The Coffee Keller, located at 127 N Minnesota St, occupies the space underneath the Christmas Haus. It takes over the space where Kevin’s Barber Shop used to be. Henle said they had been working on the location for six months before opening on Jan. 17.

“I had to start with some sort of vision,” he said. “Keeping the integrity of the building but also updating it to reflect more of a modern approach. Timeline wise it took us from August until now to finish. We went through multiple contractors to get that completed.”

Henle said the store offers a full-service coffee bar, offering fully customizable drinks. They have signature lattes and snack items such as fruit and yogurt cups, granola bars, small charcuterie boxes, and veggies with hummus. The Coffee Keller also offers local offerings, including blends and beans from White Boxer Coffee and dessert items from Backerei.

Coffee Keller owner Chayla Henle and barista Kate Sloot stand behind the Coffee Keller counter as the cafe enters its third week of operation. Henle said she hopes the location becomes a hub for downtown activity.

Henle said she tried to keep the opening low-key, without any major announcements. But word spread like wildfire.

“It turned pretty chaotic pretty quick,” she said. “We feel very blessed that we have been able to stay so busy since day one. [Reception has been] incredibly welcoming and very kind. Everyone’s been very understanding if it’s taken longer than five minutes to get a drink. Everyone’s been very excited and supportive.”

With steps as the only possible entrance to the Coffee Keller, there is currently no access to the cafe for disabled people. Henle said anyone who is not able to use the steps can call by phone or message on Facebook, and items will be delivered up the stairs. She said when spring arrives, they are also looking to add seating up on the sidewalk or in a parklet.

Over the last three weeks, Henle said they have continued to be popular and have already established a regular consumer base who have their favorite drinks. With this foundation, Henle said they will look to add more cold items like sandwiches in the future. But for now, Henle is focusing on an addition of her own.

“Our main focus is to be really good at what we’re currently doing because I am having a baby in four weeks,” she said. “I need to make sure my staff can hold down the floor when this baby comes. After that, we will be looking to expand our hours once our child is in daycare. We will probably beef up our food menu to offer more lunch items at that point.”

For more information, visit The Coffee Keller Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550734832943