Here’s what you need to know: Silverbird Roasting, the Minneapolis-based roastery founded by 2016 U.S. Coffee Roasting Champion Tony Querio, has finally landed its first brick-and-mortar cafe in the Kingfield neighborhood. The 1,800-square-foot space, called Silverbird Coffee & More, is a masterclass in design and detail, blending aviation nostalgia with modern coffee culture. From airline galley carts repurposed as condiment stations to a brass draft system churning flash-chilled iced coffee and locally made tonic, every element feels intentional. The space’s industrial charm—exposed beams, preserved 100-year-old wood floors—contrasts with its playful touches: high chairs, coloring pages, and a signature drink called The Woodsman, a latte layered with house-made maple ginger syrup and birch nectar.
The cafe’s identity is rooted in Querio’s obsession with quality. Behind the bar, a Synesso MVP Hydra espresso machine with a custom illuminated panel serves as the centerpiece, while the menu leans into in-house staples like croissant loaves for sandwiches, salads, and bar syrups. The menu’s creativity extends to its beverages: a cookie butter and strawberry jam sandwich, The After School Special, is a nod to childhood nostalgia. But the real story here is the coffee. Querio, who previously roasted for Spyhouse Coffee Roasters, now works with green beans from Cafe Imports and Trabocca, prioritizing clean, balanced profiles with a focus on sweetness and complexity. “Our program is built around featuring excellent, consistent coffees you’ll want to return to,” he says. The Super Nova blend, in particular, has become a standout for its reliability in commercial settings.
Silverbird’s approach isn’t just about coffee—it’s about community. The cafe’s separation from its subscription service, Acorn Coffee Club, allows it to target different audiences: one for curated beans, another for casual coffee culture. With Caitlin Querio managing front-of-house operations and Tony overseeing a 20-kilo Mill City Roasters machine in an off-site roastery, the duo is balancing creativity and consistency. As they plan a summer patio and expand wholesale, Querio remains fixated on the intersection of coffee and innovation. “Coffee and creativity are so closely paired,” he says. “While our coffee may not change the world, we hope to fuel you while you change the world.”
What’s your favorite way to blend creativity with coffee? Share your thoughts below.
Questions & Answers
Where is Silverbird Roasting’s first cafe located?
Silverbird Roasting’s first cafe is in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It marks the brand’s expansion into the U.S. market after launching in Nigeria.
What type of coffee does Silverbird Roasting offer?
Silverbird Roasting offers ethically sourced, small-batch coffee. The Minneapolis cafe serves specialty brews, emphasizing quality and sustainability.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
