Politics & Government

New Era Beginning for Dewey's Café as City Takes Over Coffee Shop

For two years, Dewey's Café has added color and coffee to Wescott Library. At the end of April, the quirky coffee shop will be under new ownership.

Dewey's Café, the quirky, privately-operated coffee shop housed in Eagan's Wescott Library, will soon be under new ownership—thanks to a new partnership between the library and city officials.

Last week, the Eagan City Council approved a joint agreement that will allow the city to operate the coffee shop/concessions business—which is currently owned and operated by entrepreneurs Tyler Liedman and Chris McLean. On Tuesday, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners also approved the agreement.

Liedman and McLean opened the café two years ago as part of a public-private partnership with the library. Although the business built a loyal following during its tenure at the library, the pair was was unable to make it financially viable, McLean said.

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Earlier this year, Liedman and McClean chose not to renew their contract with the library. As a result, the current iteration of Dewey's will close its doors on April 30, McLean said.

"It’s a job we both loved, but with what we were pulling in each month, it was hard to make it work," McLean said. “it was always a really nice spot to be in ... but we felt it was time to move on."

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There's some silver lining for Dewey's fans; McLean will remain on board to help operate the new café once the city takes possession of the shop on May 1. The city may also retain the Dewey's name and branding materials, McLean said—though no decision has yet been reached.

The city's interest in the idea preceded the opening of Dewey's Café, according to Wescott Library Senior Manager Eric Austin. In 2009, city officials and library staff met to discuss the development of a coffee shop in partnership with the Friends of the Library group. But an agreement never materialized, and the library instead pursued a partnership with Liedman and McLean.

Dewey's, Austin said, has been a valuable addition to the library.

“I think in our vision, it makes us more of a community center," Austin said. "People can come here and linger, and engage with other people in conversation."

"It was great to get to know this community," McLean said. "That’s why I wanted to stick around. No matter who’s running this plance, it’s going to be a job that I like.

"We both very much appreciate and love everyone that gave us that support over the last two years," McLean added.


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