And Eminent Coffee Roasters was founded by Josh Kaeter, a former Marine from Sartell. His coffees also are available from several retailers in the area, including the Minnesota Street Market, just a couple of blocks from the House.
One of the challenges for the Herns was finding enough parking. Earlier this year, they entered a five-year lease with the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict on a lot across the street from their property that will provide up to 38 spaces for vehicles.
“The biggest problem we have is finding space for entrepreneurs,” said Nate Keller, St. Joseph’s community development director. “This project is in an area we’ve identified as a commercial growth area and we think it can be the west end anchor of downtown. It’s spot-on in that it diversifies some food options, which are limited in our community, and provides a way for these chefs to try out the market and, hopefully, they’ll have the kind of success where some day they’ll be thinking about moving into their own space somewhere else in town.”
Rendering of the House Food and Tap from HMA Architects.
St. Cloud-based HMA Architects and Sauk Rapids-based BCI contractors are leading the construction. The Herns have benefitted from coaching support from the Greater St. Cloud Development Corp., but their idea of success doesn’t necessarily mean the House will make them wealthy.
“We have no belief that we’re going to become millionaires,” laughed BriAnne Hern. “If it can pay the bills and maybe help some of our kids through college we’ll be very excited.”
The Herns have a blended family of four children, two at nearby St. John’s University and two who go to Rocori High School.
