FRGMNT Coffee

FRGMNT Coffee, styled as FRGMNT, is a Minnesota-based multi-roaster cafe company founded by Ben Banse and Sarah Roehl. The business was established in November 2019 with the opening of its first location in the lobby of The Nordic, a mixed-use office building in Minneapolis’s North Loop neighborhood. The name FRGMNT is derived from the concept of being a "part of the whole," specifically referencing the intersection of neighborhood, industry, community, and the global coffee world.

The company is defined by its multi-roaster model, which prioritizes variety by sourcing beans from a rotating list of roasters both locally and internationally. Rather than roasting its own coffee, FRGMNT functions as a curated platform for specialty coffee, aiming to introduce its guests to new producers and roasting styles. This approach allows the company to maintain an ever-changing menu that reflects current trends and high-quality offerings from across the industry.

Operationally, FRGMNT is known for a distinct architectural strategy. The founders have consistently utilized small-footprint spaces—often ranging from 450 to 600 square feet—situated within the lobbies of larger, shared buildings. By partnering with property managers to occupy these spaces, FRGMNT provides its customers with access to the building's larger, often more spacious public seating areas. This model allows the company to maintain a presence in high-traffic, professional, and community-oriented environments while keeping overhead costs associated with large-scale real estate footprints lower.

Since its inception, the company has expanded significantly across the Twin Cities. Following the success of the North Loop location, the team opened a second site in the One Southwest Crossing building in Eden Prairie in 2022. This was followed by a location at Riverplace in St. Anthony Main in early 2023, and a fourth location in the Open Book building in the Mill District later that same year. The company has also established a presence in the SPS Tower in the Minneapolis skyway system.

Design plays a central role in the FRGMNT brand identity. The company has collaborated with the Minneapolis-based design firm Studio BV to create cohesive, aesthetically focused environments. These spaces often feature complementary wood tones and distinct tile work, such as black-and-white bar fronts, designed to integrate seamlessly with the architecture of the host buildings. This focus on design is intended to foster a welcoming atmosphere that encourages community engagement.

While the company focuses on its multi-roaster selection, it also maintains a retail market and offers food items, including baked goods from local partners like Honey & Rye. The company also features a signature, seasonally changing house blend used for its milk-based beverages, which is available for retail purchase. By acting as a bridge between diverse roasters and the local consumer, FRGMNT serves as a hub for specialty coffee education and accessibility in the Minnesota market.