September’s Dish: Minneapolis Restaurant Shifts
September brought a dynamic culinary landscape to Minneapolis, marked by both exciting new beginnings and bittersweet goodbyes. From beloved local haunts closing their doors to innovative new concepts and cherished spots making a comeback, the city’s vibrant food scene continues its constant evolution and adaptation.
September’s Restaurant Rundown
The month of September saw significant movement within Minneapolis’s vibrant restaurant community. While some notable closures left gaps, an array of fresh ventures and eagerly anticipated reopenings ensured the city’s gastronomic spirit remains robust and ever-changing, reflecting both challenges and resilience in the industry.
Notable Openings and Reopenings
Minneapolis welcomed several exciting additions and celebrated comebacks in September. In the vibrant North Loop, Nolo’s Kitchen & Bar triumphantly reopened its doors after a fire, restoring its beloved American fare and lively atmosphere. Acclaimed chef Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable team introduced Blondette, a sophisticated new French-inspired concept situated in the historic Rand Tower Hotel, promising an elevated dining experience. For coffee aficionados, The Get Down Coffee Co. emerged as a fresh spot in Minneapolis, enriching the city’s robust cafe culture. Additionally, the popular Wrecktangle Pizza expanded its footprint with a new location, further solidifying its reputation for delicious Detroit-style pies, and the dynamic Union Hmong Kitchen continued its innovative journey, hinting at exciting future developments within the local food scene.
Significant Closures and Farewells
September also brought bittersweet farewells as several cherished establishments closed their doors. Northeast Minneapolis lost a longtime neighborhood favorite with the closure of The Sample Room, known for its cozy ambiance and eclectic, globally-inspired menu. Uptown said goodbye to The Herkimer, a staple brewpub that had served the community as a gathering place for many years. The Midtown Global Market lost its brewery anchor as Eastlake Craft Brewery ceased operations, a significant change for the market’s social hub. Even more centrally, Corner Cafe in Minneapolis closed, marking the end of an era for its regulars and simple, comforting fare. Furthermore, the popular seafood spot Smack Shack moved its operations exclusively to MSP Airport, effectively shifting its presence from its well-known North Loop location.
A Snapshot of September’s Changes
| Category | Restaurant Name | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reopening | Nolo’s Kitchen & Bar | North Loop, Mpls | Back after fire, beloved American fare. |
| New Concept | Blondette | Rand Tower Hotel, Mpls | Gavin Kaysen’s French-inspired dining. |
| Closure | The Sample Room | Northeast Mpls | Long-standing local favorite closed. |
| Closure | Eastlake Craft Brewery | Midtown Global Market, Mpls | Brewery anchor ceased operations. |
Implications for Minneapolis’s Dining Scene
The constant churn of openings and closings in September underscores the dynamic and often challenging nature of the restaurant industry, even in a thriving culinary hub like Minneapolis. It reflects a scene that is both resilient, with new entrepreneurs stepping up, and responsive to changing consumer tastes and economic pressures. While some closures are mourned, they often pave the way for fresh ideas and diverse offerings, keeping the city’s dining landscape vibrant and competitive.
What to Watch Next
As Minneapolis moves past September, the cycle of culinary change continues. Keep an eye on new announcements for upcoming openings, as well as how existing establishments adapt and evolve. The city’s neighborhoods are always ripe for new culinary experiences, ensuring there’s always something new to discover for local foodies eager to explore the next great spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What were the most significant Minneapolis closures in September?
Notable closures included The Sample Room in NE Mpls, The Herkimer in Uptown, Eastlake Craft Brewery in the Midtown Global Market, and Corner Cafe. Smack Shack also moved its primary operations to MSP Airport. - Did any major Minneapolis restaurants reopen in September?
Yes, Nolo’s Kitchen & Bar in the North Loop triumphantly reopened after being closed due to a fire, welcoming back its customers. - Are there any new high-profile restaurants from well-known chefs?
Chef Gavin Kaysen’s team opened Blondette, a new French-inspired concept located in the Rand Tower Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. - What kind of new casual spots opened?
The Get Down Coffee Co. opened for coffee lovers, and Wrecktangle Pizza expanded with a new location, adding more options for Detroit-style pizza enthusiasts.
Stay informed about your local eateries, try new spots, and support the businesses that make Minneapolis a fantastic place to dine and explore its ever-evolving culinary scene.
September Minneapolis Restaurant Shifts
