The dedicated team at The Coffee Keller, celebrating their two-year anniversary. Pictured (Top Row, L-R): Kate Sloot, Dakota Gutzke, Grant Wempner. (Bottom Row, L-R): Morgan Hauenstein, owner Chay Henle, Jessica Hester.  (Submitted photo)

The Coffee Keller, located at 5 N. Minnesota Street in New Ulm, marked two years of operation in downtown New Ulm, celebrating with a special birthday party Saturday.

Coffee Keller originally operated from a basement space at 127 N. Minnesota, but moved to at 5 N. Minnesota Street last September.

Barista Ainsley Tess, a New Ulm resident, has worked at The Coffee Keller for nearly a year. “It’s been two years altogether,” Tess said. “I was at the lower location before.”

Kate Sloot, a longtime staff member who previously served as head of house, now works in a support role and calls herself the “special ops barista.” “I still am working, but I am not managing,” Sloot said.

Dakota Gutzke currently serves as house lead, overseeing daily operations.

The Coffee Keller on January 17, celebrating its two-year anniversary. (Photo by Amy Zents)

The anniversary highlighted The Coffee Keller’s partnership with Becky Bakes, a local bakery owned by Becky Knipp and operated with her daughter, Emily Atnip.

“We are going to be on one year here soon,” Sloot said. The bakery provided birthday sprinkles and decorative tulips for the anniversary.

Owner Chayla Henle said reaching the two-year milestone reflects growth and stability. “It means having solid systems, trustworthy team members, and a whole lot of growth,” Henle said.

“We’ve been paving the way for the coffee scene in New Ulm since the beginning.” Henle said she is most proud of her staff. “My team provides the customer service and quality that’s become the backbone of our business,” she said.

Customers visited throughout the day despite cold temperatures. 

Ainsley Tess, a barista at The Coffee Keller for almost a year, previously worked at the lower location and is now celebrating the two-year anniversary. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Kaylee Hunter and her mother, Missy, both regulars at the shop, said they come for the coffee. “We’re just here for the drinks,” Kaylee said. Both said they prefer iced drinks, and occasionally enjoy baked items from Becky Bakes.

The Coffee Keller offers specialty drinks including the Snowbird Lotus, Twilight Lotus, and Birthday Cake Latte. Sloot described the Twilight Lotus as blackberry lime. “The Snowbird is a green tea with caffeine and vitamins,” she said.

Henle said partnerships with local businesses have been central to the shop’s growth. “It’s a win-win when you can serve the best local products available and spread the financial love to other family-owned businesses like ours,” she said.

The Coffee Keller has hosted community events, supported local artists by displaying their work in the shop, and partnered with other small businesses in New Ulm. 

Tess said she enjoys seeing customers interact with the shop. “It’s not just about the coffee. It’s about making people feel at home, whether they’re here for a few minutes or spending the afternoon,” she said.

Mother-daughter regulars Kaylee and Missy Hunter, who are "just here for the drinks" and prefer iced coffee, were happy to celebrate The Coffee Keller's two-year anniversary, wishing them a "Happy birthday!"  ( Photo by Amy Zents)

During the anniversary, customers were offered drink samples and baked goods from Becky Bakes. Sloot said the celebration was modest.

“We have samples,” she said.

Tess said that working at The Coffee Keller has allowed her to connect with customers and coworkers. 

“I was at the lower location,” she said. “People come here to chat, catch up on news, and see friends. It’s a real community hub.”

Henle said she hopes the shop will continue to grow while maintaining the culture the staff has built. 

“We’re always looking for ways to improve, whether that’s new drinks, partnerships, or events,” she said. “But our focus will always be on our customers and the community we serve.”

From its original basement location to its current street-level space, The Coffee Keller has grown while keeping its operations consistent and accessible. The move provided more space and better accessibility for customers. Sloot said the change allowed staff to focus on customer service and beverage quality without the limitations of the smaller basement location.

The shop’s anniversary highlighted both daily operations and the role it plays in the downtown New Ulm community. Customers like Kaylee and Missy Hunter said the coffee and staff keep them coming back.