Opening Soon: Unique New Kasson Spot Lets You Drink Coffee… and Operate Excavators

This one made me do a double-take. Kasson is about to get something wildly different. I’m talking about a brand-new business concept that doesn’t exist anywhere else in Minnesota.

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It's moving into 408 W. Main Street in Kasson, the building across from the Mayo Clinic, which used to be most recently home to The Kickback Bar and Grill. Sadly, that place didn’t last long, and after it closed in early 2025, a lot of people were disappointed to see it go. I’m always rooting for local businesses to win, so seeing new life coming into that space is a big thumbs up from me.

The new business is called Sandbox Coffee Co., and the concept is simple but unique. You grab a coffee and a pastry… then you sit down and operate legit remote-controlled excavators inside massive sandboxes. Not tiny toy ones either. These are heavy-duty RC machines that are about two feet long.
Here's a sneak peek of the equipment:

I talked with James Stein, one of the three local partners behind the project, along with Burt Kleckey and the Faro family. All three have construction backgrounds, which makes the concept feel like a natural fit.

James told me one of the main motivations behind this idea was that Kasson doesn’t have many family-oriented activities. He said it feels like an underserved community when it comes to things families can do together. He said they want to help get kids and families off their phones and actually interact with each other in real life. I love that.

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James says the idea came from similar businesses they saw in Dubai and in the UK, but this isn’t a franchise; it’s a locally owned operation bringing the concept to SE Minnesota for the first time, and they see it as more than just a coffee shop. They’re building it as a destination.

Here’s what you can expect when Sandbox Coffee Co. opens:

On the food and drink side, they’ll start with coffee and pastries, plus fun “kiddy cocktails” for younger visitors. There will also be a drive-thru for coffee, which is always a win. No alcohol at first, but James said that could be something they consider down the road.

They also plan to rotate different themes throughout the year to keep things fresh.

Pricing is expected to be pretty reasonable, too. James shared they’re planning around $5 for 15 minutes for kids and $8 for 15 minutes for adults.

When is the new Sandbox Coffee Co. opening in Kasson?

Right now, they’re still working on the finishing touches, getting everything ready. James says the current target open date is Monday, June 8th.

Another thing I loved hearing is that they plan to be very involved in the Kasson community. That stuff matters. When local businesses show up, sponsor events, and care about the town, it usually pays off in the long run.

And for anyone side-eyeing this idea, thinking, Coffee and excavators… really? Let me offer a few reasons this could actually be awesome.

First, kids love dirt and toys, and adults secretly (or openly) love heavy machinery. Second, it’s hands-on and interactive. You’re not just sitting there scrolling. You’re actually doing something together. Third, it’s different. And different is exactly what helps small towns stand out and become places people intentionally visit.

I’m rooting for this one. It’s creative. It’s local. And it brings something completely new to Southeast Minnesota.

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