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.”

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.”

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.

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