Customer support following a burglary at the Coffee Grounds has been gratifying, according to owner Dave Lawrence.
“There really has been an almost overwhelming response, so many people have stopped by with words of encouragement and our business is up dramatically,” said Lawrence, who has owned the coffee shop at 1579 N. Hamline Ave., Falcon Heights, for the past 11 years.
The break-in was discovered by employees who arrived to open the shop at 6 a.m. on April 22. They found that the front door had been kicked in and a significant amount of cash taken from the till, but no other damage.
“Despite some initial reports to the contrary, we did not shut down and by that evening we were back to normal, with a plywood door,” Lawrence said. “We couldn’t keep people out; they wanted their coffee.”
By happy coincidence, an employee of a glass-replacement company stopped in for a cup, so that expedited getting a new door. St. Anthony Police Chief John Ohl said his department continues to investigate the case.
The Coffee Grounds is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Besides offering coffees, soups, sandwiches and ice cream, it provides a showcase for a range of local musicians and artists.
