Meghan Kelsey opened Second Street Coffee in Sartell on the heels of 2022. Located on 2nd Street (go figure), the shop was known for over a decade as Liquid Assets. After a change of owners and closing in 2021, the centrally-located space was up for sale. Walking into the calm but buzzing coffee shop, you’d never know it was just months old.
Though she originally came to Central MN for Cosmetology School (her career for nearly 15 years prior to opening Second Street), like many of us, Meghan experienced the waves of COVID. “I wasn’t anticipating such a huge career change, but it has been the best thing for me, and something I didn’t realize I craved so bad.”
“I hope that people view us as a safe space to come together, be themselves, and enjoy being social again. I think our community really wants and benefits from a space to do that. As far as being different from other places, I think the best thing for me as a small business owner is that I can do just about anything I want and that freedom to be able to be different and be creative has been super fun for us as a team! We don’t have a large corporation calling the shots, we can make decisions based on what our community needs.”
We always love seeing and hearing how local businesses support and bolster each other. “We get all of our beans from Reality Roasters in Little Falls. They have been absolutely amazing to work with! We do carry Black Rifle as a retail brand, and sell their beans and merchandise which has been really exciting. Hands down the best part has been our team and the support from our community! The team we have here are the absolute most amazing people I have ever met. Many of them are in high school and have never worked before, so for them to jump into customer service, I think their desire to be here, want to be busy, and everything they have learned already has been amazing to watch.”
Even though Second Street rose from the ashes of COVID, doesn’t mean they aren’t facing some of the same challenges. “The biggest challenge since we opened has been the increase in the cost of products already. Being a new business, I knew there would be unforeseen challenges, things to figure out, and trial and error. Mix that in with the rapidly increasing cost of everything rising, it’s been a struggle to get a handle on.”
“The best way to support us is to come and be a customer! We have a lot of really big and successful chains in the area as well, which I understand the pull and the desire to go there, but small businesses need the customers! The best thing for us and any small business is to show up. Share your pictures and great experiences on social media and tag business pages. Every single customer counts, and we really try to show that. We are so grateful for everyone that comes in, and we want them to feel that!”
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