who we are

My name is Daniel Swenson-Klatt and since January of 2006, I have been the owner and manager of Butter Bakery Café at 3544 Grand. With my bakers, cooks, and baristas, we have created a local shop that is destination for biscuit sandwiches, scones, eclairs, cookies and much more. We have focused on high quality coffee drinks with the help of three local artisan roasters to provide fair trade, organic, and shade grown coffees. My brother, Tom and I have been in the kitchen these past six years keeping the brunch menu growing and developing our own collection of soups, salads, while our neighbor, Amy, has been creating butter bakery treats that are simply fantastic.

why we are moving

We have grown a lot these past six years, and have outgrown both our seating and our kitchen area. Butter Bakery Café is now preparing to move to 3700 Nicollet. The corner retail space available at 3700 Nicollet provides 2350 square feet of kitchen, seating and storage, where I will be able to provide a kitchen and bakery work space that allows both to thrive. I will be able to increase seating to allow café operations and a cozy coffee shop to co-exist. I will have a site that can support increased evening activity and an expanded menu. And I will be able to have a space that will allow catering, special events, and larger customer orders that I routinely have turned away, knowing I lack the ability to manage these in my current site. I see a better customer experience with a better designed flow of traffic, an intimate performance space and better amenities such as accessible bathrooms and off-street parking.

naturally, being sustainable

Two main design features in the new space are the use of natural materials and reclaimed items. Working with these goals in mind we have connected with Wood From The Hood to produce several key elements of the café. Although there is a higher cost initially, the overall impact is lower and value of the design and production is much higher.

our new partnership

This summer Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation (PCNF) and I began construction in the corner space with hopes of opening in this new location in October.  Connecting with Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation, a respected organization, allows me to grow another part of my vision for the café: to be a place of community building. I am excited to join PCNF as their employment partner, offering apprenticeship positions to the residents in the supportive housing program in this building we share.  My background as a teacher of at-risk students prepares me to connect our two missions into one and brings my training and teaching skills back into use with the new skills I have developed as a restaurant manager and cook.

not far away  - from grand to nicollet avenue

In addition, locating on Nicollet Avenue, as part of the growing Eat Street South movement, puts us in the path of increased traffic and visibility. Located between new commuter bike routes supporting green-conscious commuters, near easy freeway entrances and exits for car commuters, and along one of the busiest bus transit corridors in the city gives me the opportunity to reach many more new neighbors. In the years to come, we hope to develop a community garden to support the shop, the neighborhood, and the residents of the 3700 Nicollet Square building.

what your awesome contribution will help us do...

• purchase beautiful wood table tops using reclaimed wood
• upgrade our point of sale system
• purchase an ice cream display and batch freezer
• purchase chairs and stools for indoors
• purchase outdoor patio chairs and tables

build community

We want to be your favorite neighborhood place to relax, meet friends, get some work done or get away from your work, and of course, enjoy great food and beverages.

spread the love

Please share this story and project with your friends! Start your own media campaign to get us more support!  Tell your parents! Tell your neighbors! Help us spread our love - by sharing your love for Butter Bakery Cafe.  Remember we need to meet our goal to receive ANY funding!  Give generously so we can continue our generous work of serving southwest Minneapolis!