Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Thom.
Hi Marisa , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My love for coffee goes way back—It all started with my grandma. I was just a kid, playing Crazy 8s at her kitchen table. She’d pour me a cup of what we called ‘coffee’—decaf, with a splash of cream and a little sugar. It was more about the moment than the drink itself, but those memories are some of the fondest I have.
That simple joy stuck with me. And as the years passed, it evolved into something deeper. Fast forward about ten years ago—I was working at a chain coffee shop and couldn’t shake the feeling that I was just peddling beans. I remember telling my husband, ‘If I ever open a coffee shop, it won’t be about pushing product. It’ll be about community. The coffee will speak for itself, and people will come because it feels like family.’
My husband didn’t hesitate. He was instantly on board—helping with research, scouting neighborhoods, and of course, enthusiastically volunteering to taste every roast we tried.
The turning point. It was an October afternoon when we discovered 1st Street. The air was crisp, the sidewalks buzzing with people walking their dogs, chatting with neighbors. There was this European charm to it—like a place where stories naturally unfold. We looked at each other and just knew: this corner of the neighborhood was ours.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Where do I even begin? Starting a business is never a smooth road. It takes grit, patience, and most importantly—a solid support system. I’m so grateful we had that from day one.
The early days weren’t as busy as we’d hoped. It definitely wasn’t a ‘Field of Dreams’ moment—If you build it they will come. So I hit the pavement, going door to door, introducing myself to property managers at nearby condos and apartment buildings. I knew that making real, personal connections would matter more than any marketing campaign. Despite the rocky moments, those early connections I made became invaluable. The North Loop is a vibrant but transient neighborhood. People are always moving in and out, so staying connected with local buildings has been key. We created ‘Welcome to the Neighborhood’ cards that property managers hand out to new residents, and that small touch has made a big difference in building long-term relationships.”
The shop is nestled in a historic building from the early 1900s, and while the budget didn’t allow for the ultra-polished, Instagram-ready aesthetic of some neighboring cafés, that was never the goal. We focused on heart over hype. I wasn’t interested in building an empire—just creating one great space that feels like home to the people who walk through our doors.
Of course, there were hurdles—some more surprising than others. Our first water bill came in at over $500 because the decimal was in the wrong place. I joked that even SeaWorld doesn’t use that much water in a month! After a visit from the city’s plumbing inspector, the error was corrected—but the challenges didn’t stop there.
We’ve been broken into twice. Luckily, both times there was minimal damage. But it’s all part of the reality of owning a small business, especially in a growing urban neighborhood. And then, incredibly, “It took us five years before we could even put up a sign on the building for better visibility.
And then came COVID. In compliance with state orders, we closed our doors on March 17th, 2020. I’ll never forget that day—not because of the fear or uncertainty, but because of the line of neighbors outside our shop before we closed. They came to buy anything we might otherwise lose—milk, half and half, yogurt. People were walking out with gallons of milk. That outpouring of support… it was incredibly moving. It deepened my love for this community even more.
My team, they were amazing throughout the entire ordeal. While we were closed, I continued paying them, and I applied for the Paycheck Protection Loan, which thankfully came through and helped us stay afloat.
When it came time to reopen, it was a team decision as we all missed our regulars. It wasn’t just about coffee anymore; it was about reconnecting with the people who made our little shop feel like home.
To mark the occasion—and bring a little joy back—we came up with a fun idea. We reopened on May 4th, so we made 300 Baby Yoda cookies—Grogu, technically. The team decorated each one by hand, and we handed them out to everyone who came by. It was our way of saying thank you for sticking with us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
While coffee is our first love, we take just as much pride in our baked goods—most of which are made fresh on site (banana bread being the rare exception). I always remind the team: if you wouldn’t serve it to your grandma, we don’t serve it to our guests. Sometimes things don’t turn out quite right—a batch might burn or just not look the way it should. That’s okay. Quality and care come first.
While great coffee may be everywhere— true hospitality is what sets a place apart. Anyone can get a cup of coffee just about anywhere these days, but what really stands out is how you’re treated when you get it. There’s this aloof barista stereotype that I’ve never understood—and definitely don’t want in our shop. We’re about warmth, kindness, and treating every guest like family.”
That culture of connection extends beyond customer service—it’s woven into the fabric of my café. My team works hard to build real relationships with our customers. We celebrate their joys, offer hugs during the tough times, and help introduce them to other neighbors. When you know the people around you, you naturally start looking out for each other. That’s what community is about.”
And that sense of care extends to sourcing too. All of our coffee is organic and fair-trade because I believe in ethically sourced beans. Our eggs come from an Amish farm in Baldwin, Wisconsin. When you come here, you’re not just getting great coffee and food—you’re supporting a network of thoughtful choices and a truly connected community.
Pricing:
- 12oz latte 4.95
- 12oz specialty latte 5.40
- Scone 3.95
- Breakfast sandwiches 5,95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://intheloopcoffee.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/in.the.loop.coffee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Intheloopcoffeeco/
- Twitter: https://x.com/intheloopcoffee
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/in-the-loop-coffee-co-minneapolis
