Jim Cone behind the counter of Coffee & Tea Ltd. Photo: Annie Marie Photography
Neighborhood gem is a treasure trove of tea and coffee delights.
At the heart of Linden Hills, the beloved Coffee & Tea Ltd. stands as a symbol of tradition, dedication and craftsmanship. It’s been a neighborhood staple for decades, and Jim Cone, 87, the shop’s master roaster, continues to hand-roast every batch of coffee beans. He also spends countless hours tracking down tea suppliers from all over the world. “We’ve been here since 1978, and we’re the oldest or longest standing merchant in the area,” Cone says. “The neighborhood has changed a lot, but it’s still the same people, and the customers have always been supportive.” For many loyal patrons, Coffee & Tea Ltd. is more than just a place to grab their morning brew—it’s a community gathering spot. Jennifer Spiller, a regular customer, notes the shop’s unique atmosphere. “People come here daily, get a coffee, sit outside on the bench and visit. It’s an institution,” she says.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Cone’s journey in coffee and tea began in 1976 when he recognized a gap in the market. “There wasn’t anyone offering decent coffee or tea in town,” Cone says. He began roasting coffee beans and importing a wider variety of teas, establishing Coffee & Tea Ltd. as a go-to destination for quality blends. Clear containers line the shelves, each filled with carefully selected coffee beans and fragrant tea leaves from around the world. The jars, neatly labeled, offer a glimpse into the shop’s dedication to quality and variety. Whether it’s a dark, rich roast or a delicate floral tea, every blend has a story to tell. The tea shelves that align the back wall of the store are a colorful assortment that each hold the promise of a perfect cup, crafted with care and expertise. The original roaster that once powered the business still sits in the shop, a testament to Cone’s early dedication. “We used that roaster until about five years ago,” he says. “But it became too small for the demand. Now, I roast in a private warehouse in Bloomington.” Cone remains intimately involved in the roasting process. He roasts beans by hand five to six days a week, ensuring that every batch reflects the same care and attention he’s maintained for decades. “I source everything and roast everything,” he says. “Anything in the store has been roasted by me.” Each roast is a precise process that takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
The Perfect Blend of Coffee and Tea
Over the years, Coffee & Tea Ltd. has seen an increase in demand for teas, and Cone has worked hard to curate a diverse selection. “We’ve been seeing more interest in teas in the last couple of years,” he says. The shop stocks more than 160 varieties of tea. In addition to serving local customers, Coffee & Tea Ltd. also does a significant amount of business online, shipping its carefully roasted coffee and premium teas across the country. Beyond beverages, Cone’s shop plays an active role in the community, contributing to local silent auctions and supporting neighborhood initiatives. Despite the challenges that come with running a small business, Cone’s passion for what he does hasn’t wavered. “We love it here,” he says. As Coffee & Tea Ltd. continues to serve both longtime customers and new faces, Cone’s commitment to tradition keeps the shop’s legacy alive, one roast at a time. Coffee & Tea Ltd. 2730 W. 43rd St., Mpls.; 612.920.6344 The image for this article is courtesy of Annie Marie Photography, who has lived in the area for 13 years and was on a mission to give back to local business owners by offering free headshots and branding images in their spaces. “[Jim] is such a staple in our community,” Annie Marie says. “If you need a bag of fresh roasted coffee, or just want to go sit and grab a few stories, go check them out. You won’t be sorry.” Annie Marie Photography Facebook: Annie Marie Photography Instagram: @annie.marie.photography
