OUR STORY
A little coffee shop in Prior Lake.
We just wanted a place where neighbors could sit down, talk, and drink a genuinely great cup of coffee.
HOW WE STARTED
It all began on a kitchen table with a tiny home roaster.
My first batch of home-roasted beans was a complete disaster. I burnt them so badly the smoke alarm woke up the whole block. But after a few weeks of tweaking temperatures and timing, I got a batch that tasted like blueberries and chocolate. I was completely hooked.
Simson Cafe was born out of that obsession. We didn't want to build a massive corporate chain. We wanted a cozy, warm spot right here in Prior Lake where we could share these amazing flavors with our neighbors. Every morning, we open up at 11 AM, pull fresh espresso, and welcome everyone who walks through the door.
We still roast in small batches, and we still taste every single run. If it is not perfect, we don't serve it. Simple as that.
OUR MILESTONES
A few key moments on our journey
2021
The Kitchen Table
Roasting 1lb batches at home and sharing them with friends and neighbors in Prior Lake.
2022
Finding Our Space
We found a cozy brick-and-mortar spot on Main St and began building out our dream espresso bar.
2023
The First Pour
We officially opened Simson Cafe. Our first customer ordered a simple drip coffee; we still remember her name.
We don't rush the roast, and we don't rush the conversation. Good coffee takes time, and so does building a neighborhood.
— The Simson Cafe Philosophy