Click Here to Listen to Podcast: MiigWitches Brew
In the heart of the Fond du Lac Reservation, where the rich heritage of the Ojibwe people thrives, a new chapter in cultural entrepreneurship has begun. MiigWitches Brew, a drive-thru coffee stand, has not only become a beacon for coffee lovers but also a symbol of resilience, community, and cultural pride.
The story of MiigWitches Brew is one of serendipity and determination. During the pandemic, Jackson Ripley and his wife, Lyz Jaakola, stumbled upon a "coffee cabin" for sale on Facebook Marketplace. This cabin, located in the Wisconsin Dells, was a fully operational coffee shop waiting to be reimagined. With a longstanding dream of opening a coffee shop on their property on the Fond du Lac Reservation, the couple knew this was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.
Pooling resources from friends and family, Jackson and Lyz embarked on a journey to bring their vision to life. They cleared the land in front of their home, created a new driveway, and connected the coffee cabin to essential utilities. The name MiigWitches Brew, a playful twist on "miigwech," the Ojibwe word for "thank you," was born out of their desire to infuse their business with local culture and language. The logo, a cauldron brimming with coffee, reflects the magic and warmth they aim to brew in every cup.
Jackson, who thrives on challenges, turned to YouTube to master the art and science of coffee making. Their commitment to supporting the local economy led them to source maple syrup from Spirit Lake Native Farms on the Fond du Lac Reservation, coffee beans from Dream Cloud Coffee Roasters in Two Harbors, and cups from Twin Ports Paper & Supply Inc. in Duluth.
On June 7, 2024, MiigWitches Brew officially opened its doors, or rather, its drive-thru window. The business quickly became a family affair, with their children Hunter, Xander, and Jagger helping out. Open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., the coffee stand has become known for its signature maple syrup latte, alongside a variety of espresso drinks, teas, chai lattes, and more. The stand also offers advance ordering for meetings and events, supplying coffee, scones, and muffins to the local community.
“This location is really a coffee desert out here on the Fond du Lac Reservation; we have no competition, we are an oasis. We have been so well supported by the nearby Tribal Headquarters buildings, Pow Wow attendees, and residents driving into town. People seek us out for our delicious, unique coffee,” shared Jackson Ripley, the spirited owner.
MiigWitches Brew is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a space where culture is shared, and connections are made. For those unfamiliar with Ojibwe language and traditions, it offers a gentle introduction through the simple act of ordering a cup of coffee. The business serves as a model for other Fond du Lac members aspiring to start their own ventures, demonstrating that with passion, community support, and a bit of ingenuity, dreams can indeed become reality.
For those passing through Cloquet, MN, a stop at MiigWitches Brew is not just about grabbing a quick caffeine fix; it’s about experiencing a taste of Ojibwe culture, served with warmth and a smile.
Visit MiigWitches Brew!
1810 Big Lake Road
Cloquet, MN 55720
Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
7 days a week
Phone: (218) 900-7959
Facebook: Click Here
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