RJ’s Coffee Den in West Duluth

RJ's Coffee Den

RJ’s Coffee Den reopened at a new location, 330 N. 57th Ave. W., just shy of a month ago. The Den was formerly located in Proctor, and closed in October 2011. The new owner, Renea Johnson, has hopes to keep the business alive having remodeled the former Erbert & Gerbert’s sandwich shop next to the Kom-on-Inn Bar.

“At first I didn’t know how I felt about this location,” Johnson said. “But the neighboring businesses help us and give us a lot of support.”

Renea Johnson with sister Gail Omundson

Johnson (pictured left) and her sister, Gail Omundson, were holding down the Den together Tuesday morning when I visited for a cup of coffee and a freshly baked scone. The shop in Proctor was owned by Johnson’s son, and working there made her fall in love with the business. When it closed down, Johnson got right on the mission to keep it alive.

“My dream finally came true,” says Johnson. “Every time I pull into work, I get an excited feeling; this place is now my baby.”

Coffee Den Menu Sign

RJ’s Coffee Den brews locally roasted Alakef coffee, offering a light, dark and flavored roast daily, along with a variety of specialty drinks like RJ’s Special Chocolate Delight.

The food menu includes freshly baked scones and build-your-own sandwiches. Choose from a variety of meats, toppings and breads to put together your ideal sandwich. RJ’s most popular bread is its Ciabatta, which Johnson says is to die for.

Bruce at the Den

Sitting in the corner we have Bruce, a regular at RJ’s, enjoying his cup of coffee with a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and toast.

RJ’s Coffee Den
330 N. 57th Ave. W.
Duluth MN 55807
218-624-2711

6 Comments

toyota200x

about 11 years ago

It looks like a great shop! Hope they prosper as a business.

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago



The building RJ's Coffee Den is in was constructed in 1913 as the Duluth City Water and Light offices. The photo above is by Hugh McKenzie, via the Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections at UMD's Kathryn A. Martin Library. 

Erbert & Gerbert's was in the building for about a decade. Throughout the 1970s and '80s, and into the mid-1990s the structure was home to Diamond Employees Credit Union (which merged into Share Advantage). 

waferdog

about 11 years ago

This is good news considering that we lost the Stop N Jo next to the Munger Inn not too long ago.  Anyone interested in reopening and running that business?

Dawn Marie

about 11 years ago

Waferdog, I am also mourning the loss of Stop N Jo. Wish I had the means to buy it and open it but sadly I don't have the funds, or the knowledge of running a business.  

Haven't been able to check this place out yet, but I hope to soon.  It's close to the BF's house, walking distance actually, which is a bonus. Good Luck ladies!

-Berv

about 11 years ago

+1 on missing the Stop and Jo, it was a nice treat when heading out on Grand Ave. in the morning for work.

ruby2sd4y

about 11 years ago

I see this place has free wi-fi and is not yet on the PDD wi-fi list. Any other updates for the free wi-fi list? Any of the new/er restaurants/pubs? Any more locations in Superior? Checking for a couple of friends who do not have internet at home. Thanks.

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