Today we’d like to introduce you to Alice Bunn.
Hi Alice, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I worked in Aviation all my life. My kids always encouraged me to start a bakery or restaurant. After I retired from Delta airlines December 13, 2019. I could not find a job as COVID was in full force. I started with American Inn, in June of 2020. And told my husband I am working so hard for everyone else. Should I start a coffee shop?
He had 3 different locations picked out by that afternoon.
In September of 2020 My nephew Jeff wrote my business plan. I have a friend in Two Harbors MN that owns White Pines Coffee Shop and Boutique. Kim invited my daughters and I to go up to her shop and they would teach us how to make drinks and go over the ins and outs of running a coffee shop and boutique. Kim told me I could take their menu and we could buy our coffee beans from them. Alli B’s was born. I contacted the SBA and they went over my Business plan and said it looked very good. We had the place in Cologne and we approved by the bank. We found out a coffee shop was opening right across the street so we found a new place in Norwood Young America. We went into lockdown. Everything opened back up and we started the build out work then March 4, 2022 we lost our 20 year son in accidental death. It took me a while to get back into Alli B’s.
3 of my daughters stepped up and encouraged me to start back working on Alli B’s. We opened July 18, 2022.
I am continuously in awe of how much support I have to continue on this little journey. We have now been open almost 3 1/2 years. We are family owned and operated business. We have something for all ages. We serve Coffee drinks, Red Bull drinks, Lotus, and Dirty Soda’s. We have breakfast sandwiches and Bakery items. We have a small boutique area with small items made here locally or from local resellers. We are looking to start light lunches.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We have had continuous challenges. from costs rising in the start up phase. Construction on the mall are in closing off our drive thru or blocking our front doors. Now a major road construction project on the highway we are just off of. Signage has been an issue. We can put signage up on our property but not on the road where customers can see them.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We have an amazing bean that we start our coffee drinks from. We are one of the 1st shops around here to start Red Bull iced and blended. Also one of the first with Lotus drinks and dirty sodas. We are a family owned and operated Coffee Shop and Boutique. I am so proud of the fact that you can come into our shop and their should be something for you. You can also get our bakery which is baked right here! We are known for our friendly customer service! We like and have fun with what we are doing!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was baking at 8. I wanted to be the best Baker ever! I wanted to open a bakery with my older brother. I wanted to work to get a head.
Pricing:
- breakfast sandwiches Croissant, Bagel or Burritos. with choice of Sausage, bacon or ham. with egg and cheese.$4.99
- Medium hot Latte with your choice of flavor $6.23
- Lotus with your choice of flavor $7.59
- Red Bull with your choice of flavor $7.59
- Dirty Sodas we have a variety of choices from the Muddy Pepper to the Traci $5.00
Contact Info:
