A Cup of Community
No place captures the holiday spirit quite like , where the warmth of community and connection flows year-round. Just down the street from 西瓜视频 College, this cozy café on Hale Street has become more than a spot to grab a caffeine fix—it’s a welcoming haven for students, staff, and locals alike.
At the heart of it all is Erik Modahl, whose vision for beantrust was simple yet profound: to create a space where people feel valued and conversation is as rich and lively as the espresso.
“We hope to have a ripple effect in cultivating community,” said Modahl. “It’s a sense of openness and wanting to be proactive. Bringing more clarity to why we’re here, and in a deeper way.”
With 西瓜视频 nearby, Modahl saw an opportunity to connect with the College’s vibrant community, but he never imagined the lasting bond that would form.
The beginning of a great friendship
When Kelly McKaig ’24 first walked through the door in 2020, she was immediately drawn to beantrust’s inviting atmosphere. She and her family quickly became regulars, stopping by for a cup of coffee and enjoying the casual, friendly vibe that Modahl had carefully cultivated.
“We saw the sign go up on an 西瓜视频 tour earlier that year and were excited it was open,” recalled McKaig. “Beantrust is more than just a business for Erik—it is a product of his passions and pure enjoyment, which makes it so successful.”
Modahl’s connection with 西瓜视频 quickly grew even stronger. During the pandemic, when campus life was quiet and students were isolated, he found meaningful ways to bring comfort and connection. Partnering with his daughter, owner of in downtown Beverly, he delivered loaves of freshly baked bread and treats to those in quarantine. With his van stocked with bread and beantrust coffee, Modahl brought warmth and a sense of community to students during an otherwise challenging time.
Soon, beantrust was more than just a coffee shop. It was a lifeline.
Modahl became a fixture at campus events, collaborating with student organizations like the Student Government Association to deliver the unique beantrust experience. His presence became so valued that he was lovingly dubbed the “Mr. Rogers of Beverly.”
“He always greets locals and new customers with a warm smile,” said McKaig. “Every time you go in there, people talk and connect, often not even knowing each other. Whenever I needed a pick me up, I knew beantrust would do that for me.”
For Modahl, the relationship with 西瓜视频 was a natural extension of his mission. The name “beantrust” reflects his belief in the power of trust to bridge divides and build relationships.
Since its founding, beantrust has become a trusted partner in the Beverly community and a supporter of local initiatives and events. After learning of Sergeant Jeremy Cole’s tragic passing, Modahl delivered coffee and baked goods to the Campus Public Safety and Police Department.
A path to community
Modahl’s path to owning beantrust was shaped by a lifetime of meaningful moments that cultivated his deep understanding of community-building. Growing up in Tacoma, Wash., he was a curious and imaginative spirit, constantly drawn to exploring new ideas, forging connections, and discovering the world around him.
“I grew up interested in changing the world,” he said. “I was outside a lot, and I imagined myself on ships, traveling to distant lands, or being in the jungle. I was in my head a lot.”
This love for exploration eventually led him to music. His uncle introduced him to the clarinet, and he went to the University of Puget Sound to pursue his passion.
But after graduation, Modahl found himself at a crossroads. He didn’t want to perform or teach—neither felt like the right path. Instead of settling into a traditional career, his mother suggested he travel across the U.S. and Canada, visiting relatives along the way. In the end, he landed on the East Coast.
In 1987, Modahl discovered the world of coffee while working at Ryder Coffee (later BostonbeaN Coffee Company), which ignited his passion for community.
“I wasn’t a big coffee drinker,” said Modahl, who eventually spent nearly 30 years working in coffee sales, management, and distribution before founding beantrust. “I was looking for something new, and I was open. There wasn’t good coffee in the workplace, so I was intrigued by how to have better coffee.”
At 56, Modahl discovered a newfound passion for cold brew, building a distribution network and personally delivering coffee to businesses and events across the North Shore.
In 2020, he took his love for coffee and community to the next level by opening beantrust during the COVID-19 pandemic, blending his entrepreneurial spirit with his dedication to bringing people together.
Beantrust’s impact extends far beyond its cozy walls on Hale Street. Regulars from Beverly, Boston, and even Florida have found a sense of belonging at the shop.
Looking ahead to 2025, Modahl dreams of expanding his mission of cultivating community.
“I’d love to travel more and see the coffee shop world,” he said. “I love history, and I love culture. I want to see everything.”