Maggie Turner was tired of watching Starbucks open locations next to independent coffee shops, putting them out of business. Not being one to hide from controversy Maggie decided to give them a taste of their own medicine. When the opportunity arose to open a second Tillie’s Bean, kitty-corner from a Starbucks; Maggie and her husband Dave Turner decided to go for it. “Starbucks already did the market research” chuckles Maggie. “There are definitely coffee drinkers in the area. And I think they want something a little more personal, which is where we come in.”
Tillie’s Bean is a Mom and Pop coffee shop that Maggie and Dave Turner started just under 5 years ago in their neighborhood of south Minneapolis. They are a true “American Dream” success story. With hard work and determination they have turned their love of coffee into a successful community gathering place. Serving up award winning coffee, hand made goodies along with hot breakfast. Word of Tillie’s has spread thru out the Twin Cities. When a business acquaintance came to them with a proposal for a second location they had trepidations. Doing research of the area and talking to the neighborhood organizations gave them the confidence to give Starbucks a run for their money.
So how does Starbucks feel about it? “Who knows, but there are more then enough coffee drinkers to go around and I believe we can coexist. And at least as a local business I know we are helping to support our local economy” Maggie says with a smile.
Tillie’s Bean is an independent coffee shop owned and operated by the Turner family with 2 locations in Minneapolis, MN. Tillie’
