Brick Street Coffee Serves the “Friendliest City in the South”

When Debbie and Derek Peris moved their coffee roastery from Washington all the way to a small town in Louisiana, they had no idea that the coffee shop they would soon open there would land them in Travel and Leisure. 

Now, two and a half years after opening Brick Street Coffee in a renovated hardware store, Debbie knows that the cross-country move and long renovation were all worth it. 

We share the story of the roastery’s new home, along with the bustling coffee shop in Minden, Louisiana, the “friendliest town in the South.”

Watch our interview with Debbie here. 

The Building that Housed an Even Bigger Dream

Initially, Debbie and Derek Peris, owners of Barnyard Coffee Roasters, wanted to find a new home for their roastery. With sites set on southern hospitality, they moved all the way from Washington state to Minden, Louisiana. What better place to start than “the friendliest city in the South?” 

Minden greeted them with southern charm and a serendipitous real estate opportunity. An old hardware store, a historic building in the heart of downtown, became available. Would it be possible to house the roastery and open a coffee shop in historic downtown? 

“As a roaster, you always kind of have this idea of what if I could have a coffee shop, too! Wouldn’t that be fun!” Debbie shared in a recent interview with our team. 

She seized the opportunity and started on a new business plan: Brick Street Coffee.

Texas Coffee School Paves the Way for Brick Street

It wasn’t long before Debbie realized she was in a bit over her head. As a roaster, she knew coffee. What she didn’t know was how to open a coffee shop. She needed a plan that would help her with the renovation process, business strategy, and opening of Brick Street Coffee.

She, along with two others on her team, attended Texas Coffee School’s 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class®. 

“That manual that we got was worth every penny of the class!” she shared. “It didn’t let us miss a single step in the process…it just gave us a roadmap of exactly what to do.” 

Strategy in hand, Debbie and team got to work on the building. Contractors, plumbers, and electricians renovated the building with care, preserving the history of the old hardware store in the process. 

It took a full year and a half, but Brick Street Coffee officially opened its doors on August 21, 2023. They serve coffee from Barnyard Coffee Roasters, roasted right there in the building. 

Source: Brick Street Coffee Facebook

Brick Street Coffee Lays a Solid Foundation with Customers

It didn’t take long for Brick Street to become a Minden staple. The renovated hardware store is as spacious as a warehouse, but brimming with warmth and character. To much acclaim, Brick Street serves a full coffee menu, pastries, breakfast and lunch items, gelato, and more. They were recently featured on the local news for their special Mardi Gras items. 

The five-star reviews are nearly as charming as the cafe itself. 

“I should live in the attic here,” admits one superfan.  

“I drove over four hours to visit Brick Street. If you’re closer than that, what’s stopping you?” asks another. 

Perhaps this one sums up the local sentiment the most: “Brick Street Coffee is one of those rare local gems that just feels right the moment you walk through the door…Great people, great coffee, and a vibe that feels like home.” 

Love Coffee, Will Travel

Many Google reviewers outline their annual drives across state lines just for a taste of Brick Street’s coffee and ambience. Plus, the surrounding town of Minden makes for a charming place to visit. So much so that it was recently featured in Travel and Leisure’s article: “This Is the Friendliest Town in the South — With Beautiful Lakes, Bayous, and Charming Antique Shops.”

The article lists Brick Street both as a Top-5 Don’t Miss activity and a Best Restaurant. Not even two years after they opened, we know they’re just getting started. 

Build Your Own Foundation at Texas Coffee School

Debbie and Derek’s success was not overnight; it was hard earned. As roasters, they’ve channeled their knowledge of both coffee and business into Brick Street, but they knew they needed more education to truly make their vision soar. 

Attend the class that turned Debbie’s dream for Brick Street into a reality. Sign up for our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class® for a comprehensive roadmap that takes your coffee shop from idea to open.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class® at Texas Coffee School?

The 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class® at Texas Coffee School is an in-person training that gives Coffeepreneurs® a complete roadmap for opening and operating a coffee shop. Students receive a detailed manual and step-by-step guidance covering buildout planning, equipment selection, menu development, staffing, systems, and financial strategy. The goal is simple: help you move from idea to open with clarity and confidence.

Do I need prior coffee experience to attend Texas Coffee School?

No. Many students attend with little or no hands-on coffee shop experience. Others, like the owners of Brick Street Coffee, already understand coffee but want structure and business strategy to open a retail café. We designed the class to meet you where you are and help you build a strong foundation, whether you are starting from scratch or expanding an existing coffee business.

How can Texas Coffee School help me successfully open in a small town?

Opening in a small town requires thoughtful planning, smart budgeting, and strong community alignment. Texas Coffee School teaches you how to evaluate your market, build a realistic startup budget, design a menu that fits your customers, and implement systems that support long-term growth. With the right roadmap, even a historic building in a small downtown can become a thriving local staple.