Why "Ecke"?

Ecke (pronounced “eh-kuh”) means “nook” in German — a small word that captures so much of what we hope this space feels like.

It’s a nod to those peaceful moments: curled up in your favorite corner with a warm drink, a good book, and a sense of calm. Safety. Stillness. Comfort. The kind of goodness that doesn’t need to be loud to be felt. That’s what we wanted to create — a space that feels like your nook, no matter what kind of day you’re having.

Person sitting on a bed, holding a cup of coffee and an open book, wearing a gray sweater and black socks.

Our Story

Ecke Coffee was created with a simple but powerful vision: to build a place that feels comforting, familiar, and full of heart. Every chair, every cup, and every corner of Ecke was chosen with intention — inspired by rustic charm, nostalgic humor, and the welcoming spirit of Minnesota.

Long before the doors opened, owner Tina had already developed deep roots within the community. Through another small business, she spent her days building relationships, listening to stories, and learning just how much this town was craving a place to gather, recharge, and feel at home.

When the opportunity arose to bring that kind of space to life, she stepped in with heart, hustle, and a commitment to doing it the right way. With no outside investors and no background in coffee, she poured herself into the process — from months of hands-on renovations to learning the craft of coffee-making and shaping each detail with care. Along the way, she was supported by the people closest to her — especially by her husband, whose steady encouragement and help behind the scenes made a quiet but meaningful impact.

At Ecke, it’s never just about coffee. It’s about comfort food that’s good for the soul, drinks that spark happy memories, and the kind of service that makes your day a little better. Ecke is proudly self-funded, locally rooted, and built to reflect the heart of Gaylord. This coffee shop isn’t just Tina’s — it belongs to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in what it could be.

Welcome to Ecke. We’re so glad you’re here.