Several businesses in Minneapolis are undergoing changes, with closures of notable venues and the emergence of a new vegan café that promises to enhance the local dining scene.
El Sazon Cocina and Tragos Closure
El Sazon Cocina and Tragos at 5309 Lyndale Avenue South has announced the closure of its full-service restaurant for the foreseeable future. Owners Karen and Cristian de Leon, who have experienced significant growth over the last three years, made the difficult decision amid ongoing financial challenges. In their statement, they expressed, “This choice was not easy. We have poured our hearts, our time, and our energy into keeping this restaurant alive. We’ve tried everything possible to stay afloat, but the truth is that the numbers simply don’t add up, and continuing on this path would not only jeopardize the business but also our own mental health.”
The Lyndale Avenue location, which opened in the fall of 2023, was the second outlet for El Sazon and notably the first to feature a liquor license and full-service offering. Other outlets, including a stand at the Eat Street Crossing food hall and the original El Sazon taco stand in Eagan, will remain operational.
Dreamstate Cafe Preparation
In a positive turn for the Wedge neighborhood, a new establishment named Dreamstate Cafe is set to open this fall. Run by Kirstin Wiegmann and Jeff Therkelsen, who previously operated the vibrant Reverie Cafe and Bar, Dreamstate aims to deliver an all-plant-based menu that spans from coffee and sandwiches to dinners and cocktails. The café is taking shape in a space that formerly housed Common Roots Cafe, with a substantial renovation underway. A post on Facebook highlighted their excitement, stating, “It has been an absolute pleasure to host you for everything from simple happy hours on our patio, to our wine events & dinners, and all of your special occasions that you graciously allowed us to be a part of.”
Nighthawks Transition
Nighthawks, located at 3753 Nicollet Avenue, is also poised for a change. After serving the community for over a decade, owners Dawn and Wes Chapman retired at the end of August, passing the reins to Alex Gese and Dean Perlman from Big Watt Beverage Co. The beloved diner will pause operations after brunch on October 11 for a light renovation. This transformation is part of a broader trend of restaurant adjustments in the area; directly across the street, Petite Leon plans to close at the year’s end to reopen as a more casual eatery, while next door, Nighthawks’ space will gain a new tenant, Little Bird Delicatessen, later this season.
LynLake Brewery Closure
After more than 11 years of brewing and providing rooftop views, LynLake Brewery closed its doors on October 5. Situated at 2934 Lyndale Avenue South, the brewery expressed gratitude to its patrons for years of support. In their statement, they described the reasons behind their decision, saying, “Too many headwinds stacked up over the years. We weathered roadwork before, had plans for what was coming, and put everything we had into keeping this place going. In the end, the climb just got too steep.”
Yet, in an unexpected turn, the brewery revealed plans for a possible comeback after receiving an overwhelming community response. LynLake Brewery is launching an equity crowdfunding initiative, allowing supporters to invest in the brewery’s future. This move has raised hope among fans eager for the establishment’s revival.
Conclusion
In addition to these restaurant updates, chef Elsing, known for crafting pastries and desserts at Icehouse and Cooks Bellecour, has joined Fhima’s. In their statement, Fhima’s expressed enthusiasm, declaring, “With Elsing’s hiring, the company is one step closer to realizing their vision of building one of the nation’s premier pastry and bakery programs.” This development signifies a potential bright spot in an evolving local dining landscape.
