New Coffee Shop Inspired by Australia's Sunshine Coast Opens in Downtown Minneapolis Skyway

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Despite tough times for restaurants, an ambitious couple has opened a new coffee shop called Barra in the downtown Minneapolis skyway system. Inspired by their time on Australia's Sunshine Coast, the shop features a minimalist menu focused on high-quality espresso drinks and baked goods. The owners hope to cater to the returning office workers and students in the area as downtown Minneapolis continues to revitalize.

Why it matters

The opening of Barra Coffee represents a sign of life in downtown Minneapolis, which has struggled with high vacancy rates in the skyway system during the pandemic. The shop's focus on quality coffee and Australian-inspired vibes could help draw people back to the city center as businesses work to recover.

The details

Eric and Mallory Nordberg moved back to Minnesota last year and decided to open Barra Coffee in the downtown Minneapolis skyway after running coffee carts for a few years. The shop is inspired by Mallory's Australian upbringing and a family trip to the Sunshine Coast, where they stayed on Barra Crescent and were inspired by the local coffee shops. Barra features a minimal menu focused on hand-picked rotating roasters, eschewing whipped cream, caramel, and other sugary drinks. The owners are hoping to attract office workers returning to nearby employers like Target as well as students from the nearby University of St. Thomas.

• Barra Coffee opened in March 2026.
• The Nordbergs visited Australia's Sunshine Coast in 2024.

What they’re saying

What’s next

As downtown Minneapolis continues to recover, Barra Coffee will look to establish itself as a go-to destination for quality coffee and baked goods in the skyway system, catering to the returning office workers and students in the area.