A coffee shop relocation and the introduction of two national retailers mark the latest changes in Minneapolis’ fast-growing North Loop neighborhood.
 
A Dunn Bros. Coffee shop in the North Loop opened in a new location this week, and its former location will be occupied by two new retail stores, Shinola and Filson.
 
The coffee shop moved to 337 Washington Avenue, in the Dock Street Flats—a 185-unit apartment building. (A developer recently floated plans for a second phase of Dock Street Flats, which would double the project’s size.) The new Dunn Bros. is larger and features the company’s signature “Provisions” bakery. It will also now serve beer and wine, a company spokesman told Twin Cities Business.
 
According to Twin Cities Business’ sister publication Mpls.St.Paul magazine, the two retailers moving into the coffee shop’s former location are both owned by Bedrock Brands, a Texas company started by the founder of watch maker Fossil, Inc.
 
MSP said Filson is known for its rugged bags and sportswear and Shinola sells U.S.-made watches, bicycles, and leather goods.
 
“Minneapolis has a rich history of culture and art, plus a thriving bike community that makes it a perfect location for our next store,” Shinola Marketing Director Bridget Russo told the magazine. “The city has a passion for American craftsmanship that aligns perfectly with our brand.”
 
Shinola and Filson are the first national brands to open shops in the North Loop, said MSP, in an area that has been primarily driven by independent boutiques. Both stores are expected to open in the spring.
 
Meanwhile, a Dunn Bros. in Dinkytown will be closing its doors this spring, after 14 years, because its owner is unable to renew his lease with the landlord. The owner is actively looking for a new suitable site to relocate the shop.
 
Separately, a new Dunn Bros. café is set to open this spring in the Minneapolis skyway at 333 South Seventh Street.
 
And earlier this week, Dunn Bros. debuted a new restaurant concept called “Maker’s Cafe” in Edina, which partnered with local co-working space startup Cafe Inc.