The café relocated to 5 N. Minnesota St. from a basement space that owners Chay and Michael Henle said no longer met operational needs.

“We needed more room for our team to work and for customers to feel comfortable,” Chay Henle said.

The new street-level location offers wheelchair access, which the previous site lacked.

The grand opening included sample stations and prize drawings for merchandise and gift cards. The featured drink, a tiramisu latte, was created in collaboration with baking partner Becky Bakes.

Musician David Wallace performs at Coffee Keller’s grand opening Thursday, seated with guitar and coffee in hand near the front window of the new downtown space.

The Coffee Keller’s interior was designed by Chay Henle, who consulted Kari Linbo of Route 1 Interiors. The space includes a toddler play area and an animal-themed mural painted by local artists Lizzy Strackbein, Lydia Kratz, Faith Belt and Joanna Wessel.

The Coffee Keller partners with White Boxer Coffee Co., a New Ulm-based roaster that supplies beans blended to the café’s specifications. Head Barista Jessica Hester developed the seasonal drink menu, which includes flavors such as pumpkin, pear, pecan and toasted marshmallow. Breakfast sandwiches are also available, served on croissant square buns with egg, cheese and a choice of sausage or bacon.

Live music was provided by David Wallace, a Minnesota native and full-time musician who splits his time between the U.S. and Paris. Wallace was booked for the event after responding to a social media post seeking performers.

Dino Pautzke and her son-in-law Nick Simon, of Simon Accounting, attended the event and praised the new location’s accessibility and design.

“It’s beautiful–definitely a change from the basement,” Pautzke said. Simon added, “I’ve got two little kids, so it’s nice to have a space where they can play while my wife and I grab coffee.”

Kylie and Camden Brigger of New Ulm crouch in front of the sample table as owner Chay Henle offers free samples during Coffee Keller’s grand opening Thursday.

The Coffee Keller’s new tagline, “Community Brewed,” appears on staff shirts and merchandise. Henle said the name “Keller” remains as a reference to the café’s origins and the community it serves.

The Coffee Keller is located at 5 N. Minnesota St. in downtown New Ulm.

Samantha Filzen and Coffee Keller owner Chay Henle stand in the café’s children’s area, which includes a mural and playhouse.

Kate Sloot, Dakota Gutske, Jordyn Larson and Jessica Hester prepare drinks behind the counter at Coffee Keller’s new downtown location.

A flag reading “COFFEE” hangs outside Coffee Keller’s new location at 5 N. Minnesota St. in downtown New Ulm.

Coffee Keller hours of operation.