Elisa Berry of Big Lake is opening a new cafe April 22: Ember Coffee. The shop will be located in the same space as the former Fudgin’ Delicious and Hom Decor store, on the corner of Hwy. 10 and Eagle Lake Rd. S. in Big Lake.
Berry decided on the name Ember as she was inspired by Big Lake’s history as a hub of entertainment, were people from all over can gather and make new connections. She hopes that her cafe, too, can serve as the ember that creates new memories and connections and brings people together.
Products
Berry says she and her team are proud to offer quality, local products in their shop. Aside from coffee, they will offer kombucha on tap from Minnesota company, Ya Sure. They will also be offering products from Backwards Bread Co., based in St. Cloud, in their bakery section. Berry was especially excited to offer the very popular almond croissant bread. Ice cream will be offered as well, and although it isn’t the same Fudgin’ Delicious brand, Ember plans to use the same vendors as Fudgin Delicious, and so the product should be very similar.
Eventually, Berry hopes to offer sandwiches and other lunch items in the cafe, but for the time being she and her team will focus on coffee.
Artwork/Decoration
Inspired by the TV show, Friends, Berry said she wanted the cafe to feel like a living room, a place where people can relax and enjoy company and conversation. On the right side of the counter when customers walk in sits an orange couch as a tribute to the show.
The whole shop will also be decorated by contributions of local artists. Not every piece was ready during the writing of this article, but a few contributions were up, including a wall mural above the aforementioned orange couch, as well as a piece created by one of Ember’s own baristas.
In the back, Berry is also putting together a play space for kids and parents to have play dates.
Eventually, Berry also hopes to open a business next door called Ember Coworking, a coworking space which features a conference room and a quiet space to work while also building a sense of community for those who work from home but miss the office experience. This won’t be ready to open for some time yet, however.
About the Owners
Elisa Berry and her husband, Matthew, are originally from the St. Paul/metro area. About seven years ago, however, they decided they were ready for a change and moved to Big Lake.
“When we moved here, we said it would be for the rest of our lives,” said Berry.
This is the first business the couple has endeavored to open. Berry stated that she felt a calling to open and run her own business.
Berry said she is excited to be able to create a space where people can connect to one another again, especially with the last couple years of the pandemic keeping people apart.
“A lot can happen over a table,” Berry said. “Memories can be made.”
The official opening will be April 22, and a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place April 21.
