Business Matters: Coffee Shop Annabelle House Brews Success in Osseo
When entrepreneur Ashley Cook got the idea for a coffee shop, she immediately knew what she’d name it.
“It’s called the Annabelle House after my Grandma Anne who passed away,” Cook said.
She wanted to recreate the warmth and care her grandmother showered on her family.
“She took care of everybody, always with food and drink,” Cook said. “She was the most incredible person. I love talking about her. It makes me tear up when I think about her.”
Photos of Ashley Cook’s Grandma Anne on display inside Annabelle House coffee shop in Osseo.
Annabelle House opened its doors in 2021 and quickly became a popular destination for both residents and people living outside the city.
“It’s been really cool to see the reach that we have through social media and word of mouth from all the people that live here in town,” said Cook.
A Family Legacy
According to Cook, the entrepreneurial drive runs in her family.
“I think it’s just in my blood to be that way,” Cook said. “My mom always worked so hard raising us. She is the most creative person I know, and watching her work really hard, I feel like that’s instilled in me and my siblings.”
Cook’s hard work is paying off — she’s preparing to launch an Annabelle House apparel and merchandise line.
“T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, drinkware… Annabelle merchandise is coming to town,” she said.
Annabelle House isn’t the only success story in the area. Other businesses along Central Avenue are also thriving.
“We always joke that it’s going to be like the new Minneapolis,” Cook said. “People are excited to come here.”
Beyond her business achievements, Cook is proud to be imparting the values Grandma Anne instilled in her to her own children.
“Anytime we were with her, we just felt so welcome,” she said. “She took care of everybody with food and drink.”
“She’d keep offering us food, and I’d say, ‘No, Grandma, we’re good.’ Her slogan is on the wall; she’d always say, ‘I’ll tell you when you’re good.'”
Annabelle House is located at 232 Central Ave. in Osseo.
Business hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and weekends 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..
