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From Empty Cups to Full Hearts: The Impact of Free Coffee Tuesdays

by Jessica

In the winter of 2020, Pastor Carl Johnson launched an innovative program called Free Coffee Tuesdays at Storehouse Grocers and Coffee, located within the G.W. Carver Cultural Center for Innovation in East Side St. Paul. Faced with a quiet and empty business landscape, Johnson sought creative ways to engage his community.

“We have to be innovative and creative to reach our customers,” Johnson explained.

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Storehouse Grocers and Coffee greets visitors at the Cultural Center’s entrance with its inviting atmosphere, featuring chocolate muffins, coffee beans, and various merchandise. The coffee bar provides a cozy setting with several round tables ideal for co-working, meetings, or simply enjoying a break from the bustling city life.

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Recently, the city of St. Paul recognized Storehouse Grocers with the Good Neighbor Award at its annual St. Paul Business Awards, honoring the establishment’s commitment to community improvement.

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Nestled in a vibrant cultural hub, Storehouse is conveniently located within walking distance of popular local spots like La Michoacana Purepecha and the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center.

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Although Free Coffee Tuesdays has been scaled back and requires a mailing list for updates, it remains a staple for many in the community. Rebecca Engebretson, a case manager at Safe Harbor, is a regular attendee, providing essential resources and support to local youth.

“I’m not a big coffee drinker, but I could drink this every day,” Engebretson shared. “I’ve been in sometimes two or three times a week just to get coffee or work from here because I like it so much.”

Originally from St. Louis, Johnson moved to Minnesota in 2016 to establish a faith community in St. Paul. He founded Faith City Church, focusing on alleviating food insecurity, which led to the creation of Storehouse Grocers and Coffee and the provision of community meals. Proceeds from Storehouse Coffee support Johnson’s summer meals program aimed at feeding those in need.

“That’s what brought us here, and we haven’t left,” Johnson said.

Looking ahead, Johnson aims to open five additional Storehouse Coffee locations in St. Paul next year. He views coffee as an empowering medium, stating, “It’s the job that travels,” and emphasizes its potential to create employment opportunities and stimulate local economies.

Storehouse Coffee prioritizes sustainability by partnering with local farmers who use coffee grounds to improve soil quality and combat toxic runoff. The team also plans to produce compost for neighborhood use and promotes the use of reusable cups among customers.

“Coffee can actually be zero waste,” Johnson asserted.

Recognizing the importance of community spaces, particularly for Black and BIPOC populations, Johnson has committed to fostering environments that encourage Afro-futurism.

“We want to be able to bring specialty coffee to our communities,” he said.

In January, Johnson launched the Social Kitchen Fellowship, aimed at equipping youth with culinary, barista, and life skills. Two program graduates, Natasha Cintron and Maddison Pye, both 26, are now employees of Storehouse Grocers and Coffee and are on track to become co-owners.

“I think that what he’s trying to do is very big,” Cintron remarked. “There aren’t a lot of businesses over here that are specifically focused on helping the community, making sure everybody eats and gives their proceeds.”

Johnson’s vision is to expand a model of worker-owned, innovative, sustainable, Black-owned specialty coffee throughout St. Paul. He is currently scouting locations for a new Storehouse Coffee in the North End and other areas across the city.

“We don’t want bitter coffee; we want good coffee and we’ll pay for it,” Johnson said, highlighting the need for more local Black-owned coffee shops alongside establishments like Get Down, Flava, and Storehouse.

As a Black business owner, Johnson acknowledges the challenges he faces, stating that running a business is among the most difficult endeavors he has undertaken. However, he believes that longevity is key to a business’s success and is committed to continuing to build Storehouse Grocers and Coffee.

“Black-owned, women-owned, we want to make sure that it crosses barriers,” Johnson concluded.

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