New indie coffee shop dedicated to dogs opens in Minneapolis skyway

The Minneapolis skyway has a scenic new coffee shop with family ownership and a big heart for pooches.

Beancounter Coffeehouse, the second location of an Iowa-based shop, debuted in the Soo Line Building last week – introducing downtown coffee drinkers to its house-made pastries, turquoise-tinged décor and coffee for a cause.

It's clear from a quick glance that dogs are core to the shop's theme – although, located in the skyway, there aren't many dogs roaming around. Framed photos of the Wells' family dogs from over the years (Suann and Gary Wells started the business in Iowa two years ago; son, Zach Danekas is the general manager of the Minneapolis location) line walls that are painted a deep turquoise with white tile wainscoting. Large block lettering spelling out "Coffee & Dogs" rest on the counter.

But the love doesn't stop there. Twenty percent of coffee sales go to no-kill dog shelters, via Grounds & Hounds, an organic, fair-trade coffee company that partners with various organizations all over the country.

As for the coffee menu, Beancounter – a play on the family's accounting ties; Suann is a former CFO, Gary is currently the CFO of a bedding company – covers the craft coffee basics: espresso drinks, tea, matcha and cold brew, while also offering smoothies, Italian sodas, a caramel cider and a modest menu of breakfast items, salads, sandwiches and wraps. The staff makes all of the sweet treats – including muffins, scones, cookies and coffee cakes – in house, and are working on some gluten-free recipes.

The only downside for Instagrammers in this highly designed, colorful space? Right now, Beancounter is only offering drinks in to-go containers, not mugs.

The shop, which the family is hoping to expand to a small chain in coming years, is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.