When your first job turns into six years behind the bar, it’s safe to say something sticks. For Jonathan Grams, that something was coffee.
His time as a Starbucks barista sparked more than just a love for lattes. It planted the idea that coffee could be more than a job. It could be an experience. One that eventually grew into Gondolier Coffee, a mobile espresso company now fueling celebrations across the Minneapolis metro and beyond.
“I started making coffee for fun at my brother’s events,” Jonathan says. “My dad’s an entrepreneur, and he encouraged me to think about starting a business. So I did.”
Gondolier Coffee officially began taking leads shortly after the pandemic and hasn’t looked back. What started with a simple pop-up cart and a few free lattes has grown into a full-time business with five baristas, a new commercial kitchen, and a packed event calendar.
The concept is simple: bring the coffee to the people.
A Pop-Up Espresso Bar in Your Neighborhood
Gondolier Coffee is a pop-up espresso bar designed for events big and small. Whether it’s a wedding, graduation, baby shower, or corporate gathering, their setup adds something special to the day.
“We serve the entire Twin Cities area,” Jonathan says. “We’ve done events in Brainerd and Pequot Lakes, too. Our sweet spot is anywhere within two hours of Minneapolis.”
Each pop-up cart is equipped with everything needed to brew high-quality espresso drinks on the spot. Guests choose from a standard menu of 14 drinks, both hot and iced, including lattes, americanos, and caramel macchiatos. Cold foam? They’ve got it. Dairy-free options? Of course. And if someone’s in the mood for dessert, Gondolier’s affogato shots, espresso poured over ice cream, are an upgrade worth saying yes to.
One of their newest menu items, The Gondolier, is already becoming a fan favorite. It’s a black and white mocha topped with cold foam and chocolate drizzle, served in a sip lid designed to let guests actually enjoy that foamy top layer.
“Those lids might seem small, but they change the whole drink,” Jonathan says. “It’s a better experience. And it helps set us apart.”
Favorite Events? Jonathan Loves Them All
Weddings, graduations, baby and wedding showers, teacher appreciation events, and corporate gatherings: Gondolier Coffee has been part of just about every kind of celebration. And Jonathan wouldn’t have it any other way. “Honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite,” he says. “Each one is different, and that variety keeps things fun for us.”
One day the team might be setting up for a quiet backyard baby shower. The next, they’re serving lattes to 300 employees at a corporate appreciation event. Whether the guest list is 10 or 200, the approach stays the same: make great coffee and create a fun, welcoming experience.
“The one thing they all have in common?” Jonathan says with a smile. “People in Minnesota really love their coffee.”
That local love for a good cup keeps the team energized and constantly booked. And as Gondolier’s reach continues to grow, so does the list of celebrations they’re lucky to be part of.
Gondolier Coffee is Fun, Professional, and Absolutely Delectable
It’s the attention to detail and a consistently warm, professional vibe that make Gondolier Coffee such a popular choice for private and corporate clients alike. Each barista is trained not only in espresso-making but in creating a welcoming, friendly interaction for guests.
“We love helping people celebrate,” Jonathan says. “Whether it’s a wedding or a work party, everyone lights up when they see our cart roll in.”
This July, the team relocated to a dedicated commercial kitchen to better accommodate their growth. They’ve already served more than 120 events this year, and Jonathan recently stepped away from his full-time job to lead the company full-time, which also gives him more time to spend with his newborn daughter.
“It’s been a busy year,” he says with a laugh.
Despite the fast growth, Jonathan keeps the focus on quality and consistency. Gondolier recently partnered with local favorite Nikkolette's Macarons for select events, but coffee remains the heart of the brand.
“I love coffee,” he says. “My favorite to drink is the iced americano with oat milk. But my favorite to make? That’s the iced caramel macchiato. People get excited when they see it.”
Constantly Evolving
Jonathan and his team continue to refine their offerings with the goal of making each event feel special, without pressure, stress, or over-the-top fluff.
“We’re here to serve good drinks and good energy,” he says. “And we have a lot of fun doing it.”
So if you’ve got an event coming up and want something that’ll get people talking — and sipping — Gondolier Coffee might just be your next favorite guest.