Dan Cleberg
In 1996, fresh out of Northern State University, Dan Cleberg and his sister Kileen embarked on a journey to open a coffeehouse in their hometown of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Inspired by the unique, independent coffeehouses they admired during family vacations, they envisioned a vibrant space filled with conversation, creativity, and community. Recognizing that Aberdeen—a growing hub city—needed a gathering place, they birthed the idea for Red Rooster Coffee House.
Unbeknownst to the Cleberg siblings, Red Rooster would evolve into far more than a trendy coffee shop. It transformed into a creative haven, a nonprofit organization, and a vital representation of Aberdeen’s artistic spirit. Dan’s personal journey profoundly shaped Red Rooster’s identity. In his 20s, he lived in a Chicago intentional community, providing support for the homeless and victims of abuse. After this experience, he became committed to uplifting marginalized voices. Returning to Aberdeen, Dan was determined to create a welcoming space where community and creativity could flourish, embodying this mission at Red Rooster.
Dan’s first initiative was the Fallout Creative Community which started out as a collective of high school and college students who didn’t quite fit the mainstream but shared a passion for collaborative expression. This group quickly became a sanctuary for young creatives, providing them with a platform for self-expression and belonging. Through these early efforts, Dan recognized how desperately Aberdeen needed a venue where art, music, and exploration could thrive, especially for those lacking traditional outlets.
As Red Rooster blossomed, it became a stage for artists of all kinds. The walls transformed into a gallery, showcasing vibrant local artwork, while performers brought poetry, music, and even filmmaking to life. It was during one of Red Rooster’s movie nights that Tom Black was inspired to launch the 48-Hour Film Competition. This initiative's success laid the groundwork for the South Dakota Film Festival, an annual event that draws talent from across the state and beyond. What began as a small community gathering evolved into a major celebration of filmmaking.
Yet, Red Rooster is more than an artistic hub; it’s dedicated to the holistic well-being of the community. Dan diligently sought grant opportunities to support individuals with disabilities in pursuing their artistic passions, ensuring the coffeehouse remained an inclusive space for all. His commitment to accessibility has made Red Rooster a safe haven for diverse voices, regardless of background or ability.
What started as a dream of opening a coffeehouse has blossomed into a collaborative space for art, music, and social gatherings—an enduring champion of diversity and inclusion in the arts. Red Rooster has even taken its mission on the road, becoming a traveling community that sows seeds of creativity wherever it goes. Through pop-up events, collaborations with local schools, and partnerships with nonprofits, Red Rooster continually finds innovative ways to make an impact.
Interestingly, Red Rooster stands out not only for its mission but also for its remarkable longevity. While many coffeehouses in smaller cities last under five years, Red Rooster has defied the odds, thriving for nearly three decades. There were countless reasons why the coffeehouse shouldn’t have lasted—financial hardships, shifting markets, and the challenges of running a business in a small city, especially when Kileen Cleberg, his sister and business partner, relocated to Minnesota, leaving him to shoulder twice the work. A move to a new location six years ago presented fresh challenges, and then, like everyone, he confronted the upheaval of the pandemic. Yet, Red Rooster has defied the odds. Dan attributes much of this success to the community it serves. Aberdeen, known as the Hub City, needed a space for collaboration, creativity, and connection—something Red Rooster has consistently provided.
If there’s one thing to learn from the story of Red Rooster Coffee House, it’s that beauty emerges when people come together. When a space is built on a foundation of community, it can grow into something far greater than anyone ever imagined.
