Coffee Garden
“Life has a way of turning out for the best, even when the path seems uncertain,” Alan Hebertson mused. His eyes then glanced around the Coffee Garden, the space he has nurtured for over three decades. From its humble beginnings across the street in 1993, the Coffee Garden has grown into a beloved community hub in the heart of Salt Lake City’s 9th and 9th district. The café is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee - it is a gathering spot where lives intertwine, and stories are shared.
Raised in a Mormon household, Alan’s journey took him from the quiet streets of Salt Lake City to Japan, where he served as a missionary. Returning home, he attended BYU, only to face a life-altering challenge when the university learned he was gay. “Getting kicked out of BYU felt like the end of everything I knew,” Alan admits, but in retrospect, it was the beginning of a new chapter. It led him to a job at the Airport Hilton, and ultimately, to the moment that would change his life forever - the chance meeting with his future husband.
Alan’s husband, Dieter Sellmair, was raised in Germany and apprenticed as a chef, a skill set that has undoubtedly influenced the culinary offerings at the Coffee Garden. After moving to the United States through an exchange program in Vermont, Dieter found himself in Utah. Here, fate (or perhaps serendipity) brought him to the Airport Hilton, where Alan was working at the time. “We didn’t start dating until after I left the hotel,” Alan notes, recalling the professional boundaries that initially kept them apart. But once they were together, it was clear that they were in it for the long haul. Their partnership extended beyond their personal lives and into the Coffee Garden, where they work side by side, creating a space that reflects both of their values - community, quality, and a deep appreciation for life’s small pleasures. “Running the Coffee Garden has been a joint effort,” Alan said. “I couldn’t imagine doing it without him.”
While Alan grew up at his family’s home in Colorado, his passion for coffee was sparked by childhood visits to his Danish grandmother’s home in Utah. There, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air each morning. It was a love that eventually led him to Seattle. Alan discovered its burgeoning coffee culture. Inspired by what he saw, Alan returned to Salt Lake City and, with the support of friends and a lot of determination, opened the Coffee Garden.
The café quickly became a cornerstone of the 9th and 9th district, known not only for its excellent coffee but also for its sense of community. For years, a group of knitters has gathered at the Coffee Garden every Friday morning, their laughter and conversation weaving into the fabric of the café’s history. “They’ve been with us since almost the beginning.” The big central table they gather around was put in specifically for them, a testament to the lasting bonds formed within these walls.
Another bond is with Caffe Ibis, which has been roasting coffee in Logan, UT since about 1975. When Coffee Garden first opened its doors in 1993, Caffe Ibis was instrumental in setting up their first espresso machine and training the team in the art of brewing espresso. Although for a period Coffee Garden shifted to a national coffee brand, by 2002, it returned to its roots, exclusively partnering with Caffe Ibis as their coffee roaster. To this day, their beans are roasted fresh each week, ensuring a trusted and consistent quality that aligns with Coffee Garden’s values.
While the Coffee Garden’s food offerings have evolved over the years, much of it remains homemade, demonstrating the café’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Nichole Peterson, who bakes for the café, is a long-time friend and extraordinarily talented pastry chef. She ensures that everything served is up to the highest standards. “She has an incredible palate, and she’s been crucial in keeping our food fresh and delicious.”
Beyond the walls of the Coffee Garden, Alan and his husband once managed a second space in downtown Salt Lake City, a location steeped in history. The building, over a century old, was home to Weller’s Bookstore, a beloved institution known then for its vast collection of rare books, particularly on Mormonism and Western Americana.
Alan loved the Weller space, “That building had such character. You could feel the history in every corner.” The bookstore itself was a treasure trove, with five stories filled with books, including a large inventory of rare and valuable works. The Coffee Garden operated in that historic space for fifteen years, offering a unique experience to its patrons. “It was amazing to be part of that environment. We were the only coffee shop in an LDS bookstore, which was quite the irony, given our own backgrounds.” Despite the challenges, including the building’s eventual closure and the impact of COVID-19, Alan looks back on that time fondly. “It was a significant chapter in our story, and I’m proud of what we accomplished there.”
The history of Salt Lake City is woven into the very fabric of the Coffee Garden’s story. From its early days in the 9th and 9th district to its temporary expansion into downtown, the café has been a witness to the city’s evolution. The area around the Coffee Garden location was once a quirky, almost forgotten part of the city, characterized by its old shops and bohemian vibe. “There was something special about the neighborhood. It was like stepping into a different world, right in the heart of Salt Lake City.”
As the city grew and changed, so too did the Coffee Garden, adapting while staying true to its roots. The food is made with the same care and attention, and the sense of community continues to thrive. “We’ve been through a lot, but the Coffee Garden is stronger than ever, thanks to the people who make it what it is.”
