SunBean Coffee is a newly established café in the Standish-Erickson neighborhood of South Minneapolis owned by Fred and Annie DuBose. Opened in February, SunBean has already developed a reputation for having an uplifting and welcoming environment. Situated near the light rail, just a few blocks from Lake Hiawatha and Minnehaha Falls, the shop offers an inviting atmosphere to anyone searching for a cup of coffee or simply looking for a place to unwind.
DuBose’s dream of opening a coffee shop began more than 20 years ago. “I was always looking for a place that I felt comfortable in. As a Black man, he said coffee shops didn’t always feel very welcoming to me. “Due to that I usually just got my coffee and go. There was never a café where I wanted to just chill at so I wanted to create that space for me and others.”
Inspired by his struggles with anxiety and depression, he envisioned a coffee shop that prioritized emotional and mental well-being alongside the enjoyment of quality coffee. At SunBean, the mission is clear: Create a space fostering community and well-being. From the design of the space to the intentionality behind every product, DuBose’s vision is to offer not just coffee but a place where customers feel valued and supported.
The interior, adorned with plants and beaming overhead lights, is designed to bring a bit of sunshine into even the darkest Minnesota winter days. The shop’s signature SunBar, equipped with light therapy lamps, allows customers to bask in the glow while enjoying their drinks, promoting a sense of calm and boosting serotonin levels.
DuBose’s dedication to mental wellness extends beyond the shop’s aesthetic. He has always felt that coffee could be a comforting constant during tough times, and SunBean seeks to carry that legacy forward. Whether someone is stopping in for coffee or just to take a moment for themselves, SunBean offers a refuge.
“Sometimes it’s not always just a mood thing; it can be a chemical imbalance, and you might not be able to just snap out of it. I want people to know this space is here for your hard days,” DuBose said. “No one is going to think you’re weird if you come in and start crying. We’re going to check on you and ask if there’s anything we can do to help. You’re never alone here.”
Mental health is a core focus at SunBean. DuBose has made it a priority to create a space where mental wellness is not just supported but actively promoted. The shop contributes 3% of its profits to accessible mental health care, a commitment that underscores its broader goal of normalizing conversations around mental health, particularly within the Black community. “There has been great growth in the Black community regarding mental health, but we still have a long way to go about overcoming the stigma surrounding mental wellness,” DuBose said. SunBean aims to be a leader in pushing that growth forward through its work and space.
DuBose envisions SunBean as a community hub where people can leave feeling better than when they arrived — whether that’s from a friendly conversation with a barista or simply the uplifting atmosphere. “The vision is for people to leave here on a higher vibration than what they came in on,” he stated. “You can come in however you want, and we’ll welcome you, but as soon as you walk in your energy will shift and you’ll be working towards a smile before you leave.”
In addition to classic coffee drinks, the menu features options designed to boost mood and support mental health, including mushroom coffee, superfood lattes, kombucha, and beverages with adaptogens — herbs and plants used in some Asian cultures that may reduce the effects of stress. The café also features an array of baked goods from local, women- and BIPOC-owned businesses. SunBean’s menu is carefully curated offering sweet tarts to breakfast burritos to reflect DuBose’s commitment to supporting other local entrepreneurs.
DuBose’s philosophy of creating community is reflected in his approach to staffing. SunBean offers mentorship and job opportunities to young people, particularly those from BIPOC communities. DuBose, who has a background in youth development, has made it a point to hire individuals with no experience in the coffee industry or with barriers to employment, providing them with valuable skills they can carry to future jobs. He hopes to empower youth by offering them the tools and support needed to thrive.
“I’m a part of this community, and I’m going to offer my service. My role is to create a space for community to come together. This is a community hub and we may have our differences, but we all share the common goal of making things better around us, creating more opportunities, and helping each other to be happy and successful.”
For more information, go to sunbeancoffeemn.com. To view DuBose’s daughter’s art, go to atypicalcreationsart.com.