“When it’s dark, that’s when we shine. It’s like a little beacon,” said Fred DuBose, who opened SunBean coffee shop with his wife, Annie, eight months ago at 4553 S 34th Ave. “When you walk into SunBean, it will feel like walking into a warm, sunny day, even on the gloomiest of Minnesota winter days. You can bask in the light from the sun therapy lamps at our signature SunBar or grab a table in the back to chat with a friend.”
The back of the shop features a breathtaking mural of a waterfall, gifted by Fred’s banker, who painted it in her spare time. Vibrant colors fill the space, making SunBean feel alive and bright. On the walls, original portraits painted by Fred’s 22-year-old daughter add a personal touch to the art-filled environment. It is no wonder why SunBean was recently named Best Business Startup for 2024 by Black Business Enterprises.
Community
SunBean’s mission is to “create community, support mental health, introduce coffee to BIPOC individuals who might not have a place they feel as comfortable, and create opportunities for young people to work within coffee.” Through free yoga classes offered over the summer, the coffee shop began its journey of blending wellness with community building. Each yoga class was taught by a certified instructor who volunteered their time. If people decided to donate, all of the funds went to a local nonprofit that supports mental health. “I don’t just want to operate in the community, but be a part of the community,” Fred said of the idea of having more events and classes at the coffee shop to help people connect, “I have people who first met here, which forms friendships and bonds. I want us to be a community hub and a business that creates connections and relationships. It’s the epitome of what I’ve been striving for.”
Coffee and mental health
When I asked Fred how he came up with the concept of SunBean, he told me of his own struggles with depression. “Coffee would actually make me feel better. You get a little serotonin boost and it would really pick me up. I would often brew coffee and use my light therapy at home.” He discussed the role coffee shops played in his own life as a ‘third space," and his desire to create a third space for others. He explained that people need a space outside of their home or their work to just relax. A place where they are not worried about dishes that need to be done, or deadlines that need to be reached, but one that brings comfort and joy.
“This is a place where I would enjoy and I hope everyone else would enjoy. Also, that interaction with a familiar face. It’s something I would like to offer all the time here. It really caters to people who deal with SAD or are slow starters. There are some people who work from home and this might be their first smile of the day.”
Race and Coffee
SunBean is the only Black-owned coffee shop in South Minneapolis. It’s also the first to serve breakfast burritos from El Patron, a Hispanic-owned business. These burritos quickly became so popular that El Patron now supplies them to four additional coffee shops. They also feature gourmet Pop-Tarts from a woman-owned business. Fred first met Emily, the baker, at a farmer’s market, and was so impressed that he immediately knew he wanted her product. "Is this a gourmet Pop-Tart? My coffee shop is opening in a few months, and I HAVE to have these!" he exclaimed.
Fred is committed to supporting local businesses and partners with them to help strengthen the local economy. He is also mindful of the fact that coffee shops are often predominantly White spaces, and he strives to create an inclusive environment that caters to the BIPOC community.
As he points out, coffee has deep roots in Africa, originating in Ethiopia. While the exact history is unclear, it’s believed that people began eating coffee fruits around 575 AD, and monks later brewed it into a beverage. Coffee was brought to America by the Dutch, with the first coffee house opening in 1697. Despite its African origins, coffee is now primarily marketed to White consumers. Fred is determined to break down those barriers and create a welcoming space for everyone by creating a space that holds art from black artists, and working with BIPOC vendors.
Open seven days a week, Fred wasn’t kidding when he said sleeping in on weekends means getting up at 6 a.m. He left a professional job and a 20-year career to focus on supporting the BIPOC community, promoting mental health awareness, and building a strong sense of togetherness.
What’s next
Fred’s passion for building community doesn’t stop with coffee. This winter, SunBean is organizing a resource fair to help locals access needed services. If you have resources to share, or if you’re looking for something specific, Fred encourages you to reach out at SunBeancoffeemn@gmail.com. “I’m really proud of this place. I’m proud of the staff. I’m proud of the community,” Fred said. “The support we’ve gotten from the community is more than we could imagine. It’s been amazing.”