We love a narrative arc here at Build-Outs of Coffee, and Karol Coffee Co. offers a plotline and then some. What started out as a garagiste roasting project, then went mobile in a “canned ham” camper, is now a stunning new coffee bar in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Modern and classic all at once, this charming build is worth taking a closer look.
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.
As told to Sprudge by Nate Whipple.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
We started out roasting coffee in our garage and selling to friends, family, and neighbors. We made our way into a couple markets, expanded our reach, and scaled up a bit. Then we retrofitted a 1963 Arrow “canned ham” camper and took our coffee to the streets. Business grew, and we were able to purchase and renovate a classic Saint Paul building for our first brick and mortar location.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
1503 Hamline Ave. N. is a classic Saint Paul residential/commercial building. The first floor is a storefront, and the second floor is a two-bedroom apartment where me and my wife live. The building has been many things over the years: a corner store, a frame shop, a preschool, and now… a coffee shop. We tried to keep the design of the space classic and timeless with some some fun modern details as well.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Similar to our approach to the buildout, our menu has all the classics with some fun modern twists. We aim to build drinks that read like cocktails, fun and flavor forward. We also source and roast our own coffee, which allows us to offer some fun, unique coffees on drip and pour-over.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
La Marzocco Linea AV, Mahlkönig e65GBW, FETCO
How is your project considering sustainability?
We use all compostable take aways and have ceramics for our for here offerings.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
We opened on 3/29/25.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Our ceramics come from a potter down the street, Sandwich Ceramic. Our brand was designed by our good friend Jared Tuttle. We designed the space.
Thank you!
No, thank you!
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.
