Eminent Coffee Roasters is set to unveil its first café within the upcoming House Food and Tap, a vibrant new food hall in downtown St. Joseph. Scheduled to open mid-March, this location will mark the company's transition from a roastery with mobile services to a permanent café space. The venue will offer an extensive menu of coffee drinks, teas, and pastries, alongside other local eateries such as 98 Hawaiian Grill, Birdies Pizza, and Joetown Smashburger. Owner Josh Kaeter expresses excitement about providing a consistent location to showcase not only exceptional coffee but also the hard work of farmers who supply the beans.

From Military Service to Specialty Coffee

Josh Kaeter’s journey into specialty coffee began after his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Dissatisfied with low-quality energy drinks, he sought better caffeine options. After transitioning out of the military, Kaeter worked at a coffee roastery in South Carolina during his college years, where he learned the intricacies of coffee roasting. Upon moving back to Minnesota three and a half years ago, he started roasting coffee in his garage before officially launching Eminent Coffee Roasters in June 2022. His dedication to quality led him to invest everything he owned to start the business, driven by a passion for elevating the craft of coffee roasting.

Kaeter’s commitment to excellence is evident in Eminent’s offerings, which include a variety of light, medium, and dark roasts, both single-origin and signature blends. He collaborates closely with smaller importers who maintain strong connections with coffee farmers, ensuring that each batch tells a story. This approach allows Eminent to highlight unique and experimental roasts, such as limited releases and female producer series. By focusing on these partnerships, Kaeter aims to bring attention to the farmers’ efforts and promote sustainable practices in the industry.

Excitement Builds for The House Food and Tap

The House Food and Tap is poised to become a hub for culinary delights in St. Joseph, featuring Eminent Coffee Roasters among its tenants. This new food hall, expected to open in mid-March, will introduce a diverse range of dining options, including Neapolitan-inspired pizzas from Birdies and hearty burgers from Joetown Smashburger. For coffee lovers, Eminent’s café will serve an array of beverages, from espressos and pour-overs to cappuccinos and loose-leaf teas. Flour & Flower Bakery will provide delectable pastries, enhancing the overall experience.

Eminent was one of the first businesses to commit to The House Food and Tap, following Kaeter’s spontaneous response to a Facebook post about the project. Since then, he has been integral to the development of the space, which aims to foster community engagement. Beyond serving delicious coffee, Kaeter envisions hosting events like roasting competitions and latte art showcases to unite Minnesota’s coffee enthusiasts. With operating hours spanning early mornings to late evenings, The House Food and Tap promises to be a dynamic destination for locals and visitors alike.