Faith Lo
If you’ve ever driven the scenic Highway 61 along Minnesota’s North Shore, chances are you’ve stopped in Grand Marais, a small harbor town that feels like something out of a dream. Nestled along the edge of Lake Superior, surrounded by rocky shorelines and endless sky, sits Java Moose Espresso Cafe, a cozy, family-run shop that’s been serving up coffee for over three decades.
A Family Story Rooted in Grand Marais
“My name is Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg,” Sarah tells us. “My family (my parents, my sister, and I) own Java Moose Coffee, located right in downtown Grand Marais.”
Java Moose first opened its doors in 1992! Since then, it’s become both a beloved stop for travelers exploring Minnesota’s North Shore and a cornerstone of the local community.
“We’re open year-round,” Sarah explains. “Summer and Fall focus primarily on our visitors, while the off-season allows us to be more community-driven and focused.” That balance between serving locals and welcoming new visitors is what makes Java Moose special. Their location in a busy tourist area gives them the opportunity to give back generously to local organizations and events, something the family is incredibly proud of.
A Minnesota Legacy Meets Another
When Sarah started working with Deneen Pottery to make custom mugs, the connection felt instant. “Deneen Pottery is a Minnesota legacy company, the same as Java Moose,” she said. “Partnering made absolute sense. My only regret is that we didn’t do it decades ago.”
We couldn’t agree more. There’s something especially meaningful about two Minnesota-made legacies coming together, both family-owned, and both deeply tied to their communities.
What goes better with a Deneen Pottery mug than fresh-roasted coffee? “The perfect companion to a Java Moose Deneen Mug is, of course, a bag of our exclusive coffee,” Sarah says. “It’s roasted by another legacy company, Alakef Coffee Roasters out of Duluth, MN.”
A Visit to St. Paul
Recently, Sarah visited Deneen Pottery in St. Paul, where Niles Deneen had the chance to meet her in person and give her a behind-the-scenes tour of our facilities. “Sarah was just as lovely and sweet in person as she is in her videos on Instagram,” Niles shared. “Her warmth and enthusiasm radiate in everything she does! It was great meeting her!”
If you haven’t already, be sure to follow @javamoosegrandmarais. Sarah’s feed is full of breathtaking views of Grand Marais! Such as the sunrises over Lake Superior, cozy morning moments, and daily weather report given by Sarah herself!
A Shared Love for Craft and Community
From hand-thrown mugs to hand-poured coffee, both Deneen Pottery and Java Moose share a love for the details, the kind that make every sip, every visit, and every connection memorable.
So the next time you find yourself wandering the North Shore, stop by Java Moose Coffee. Grab a cup of their signature roast, pick up a Java Moose Deneen Pottery mug, and take in the views of Lake Superior.
Faith Lo
