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Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears

The outgoing governor appeared at a conference in Spain and on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" this week.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" target="_self">Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz</a> is back on the road, with recent trips to Spain for a progressive leaders conference and Los Angeles for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationally televised late-night interview" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utjt7lg7MwM&amp;time_continue=520&amp;source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mprnews.org%2F" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utjt7lg7MwM&amp;time_continue=520&amp;source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mprnews.org%2F" target="_blank">nationally televised late-night interview</a>.The big picture: The DFL governor&#x27;s ramped-up travel schedule, combined with this week&#x27;s announcements that he&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="writing a book" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-book-minneapolis-3b72c0fa8173cc2971098f1d4c1005af" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-book-minneapolis-3b72c0fa8173cc2971098f1d4c1005af" target="_blank">writing a book</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launching a federal PAC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/walz-rolls-out-small-town-pac-to-rebuild-democrats-rural-bench/601782385" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/walz-rolls-out-small-town-pac-to-rebuild-democrats-rural-bench/601782385" target="_blank">launching a federal PAC</a>, offer early clues about what Walz hopes to do after he leaves office next year.<ul><li>While he won&#x27;t be on the ballot this fall, he&#x27;s said he plans to use the PAC to help Democrats &quot;expand the map&quot; by recruiting and supporting candidates in rural areas.</li></ul>

What to do with the distressed Dayton's Project

The $350M redevelopment now has a city-assessed value of $27M

A judge&#x27;s recent ruling approving the potential foreclosure of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dayton&#x27;s Project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/15/daytons-project-macys-minneapolis-open-photos-tour-leasing" data-vars-content-id="456dd814-eb15-4206-8f0b-c1edd7fde525" data-vars-headline="What to do with the distressed Dayton&#x27;s Project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/15/daytons-project-macys-minneapolis-open-photos-tour-leasing" target="_self">Dayton&#x27;s Project</a> sets up a thorny question: What&#x27;s going to happen to one of the biggest — and emptiest — buildings in downtown Minneapolis?Why it matters: If some creative developer can&#x27;t figure it out, there&#x27;s a risk that one of the city&#x27;s largest properties, in the heart of Nicollet Mall, could remain hollow and fall into neglect.

Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands

Ducks on Lake will open on East Lake Street as soon as next month, Longfellow Whatever reports.

Food and Drink

Duck Duck Coffee is expanding to East Lake Street, Longfellow Whatever <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" target="_blank">reports</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ducks on Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" target="_blank">Ducks on Lake</a> will open in the former Milkweed space as soon as next month.<ul><li>In more coffee news, Eden Prairie&#x27;s Smith Coffee &amp; Cafe is adding a new location at 50th &amp; France this fall, owners told the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Star Tribune" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" target="_blank">Minnesota Star Tribune</a>.</li><li>And Arya Cafe, the Ethiopian coffee shop on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis, has reopened after a three-month closure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per its social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" target="_blank">per its social media</a>.</li></ul>🇫🇷 Restaurant Aubergine, the neighborhood French bistro by Gavin Kaysen alums, opens Friday in Cathedral Hill. As of Thursday afternoon, a few reservations were still available.🍗 Beast Barbecue in Northeast Minneapolis will permanently close on May 2 after seven years in operation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it announced this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" target="_blank">it announced this week</a>.<ul><li>No reason was given for the closure, but the building was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" target="_blank">on the market</a> in 2024.</li></ul>🇵🇱 Black Duck Spirits &amp; Hearth has rebranded as a &quot;wood-fired Polish bistro&quot; with 16 new Slavic-inspired menu items, per a release.<ul><li>Meanwhile, Brian Ingram&#x27;s North Loop pasta spot Salt &amp; Flour Kitchen will relaunch May 4 with &quot;nothing over $15,&quot; Ingram announced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>.</li></ul>🍻 Four Minnesota breweries, including Northbound Smokehouse &amp; Brewpub and Forgotten Star Brewing Co., took home medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Full list of winners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" target="_blank">Full list of winners</a>

Hall Monitor: Witch's Hat repairs move forward

Plus: A top public safety official's job remains in limbo after a busy day the Minneapolis City Council.

A few notes from a busy day at Minneapolis City Hall on Thursday:🧙‍♀️ The Prospect Park water tower&#x27;s observation deck — aka &quot;the Witch&#x27;s Hat&quot; — could finally reopen to the public this fall.<ul><li>City council members voted to hire a contractor to complete necessary repairs to reopen the tower, which has been closed since 2019.</li><li>Minneapolis originally budgeted $350,000 for the work in 2024, but needed to reopen the bidding process three times before a suitable contractor came forward, a city spokesperson told Axios.</li></ul>❓ Minneapolis&#x27; top public safety official&#x27;s job remains in limbo. The council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey&#x27;s veto of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their rejection" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" data-vars-content-id="a1fc9477-b617-491e-a518-556f0a5b3e90" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Witch&#x27;s Hat repairs move forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" target="_self">their rejection</a> of community safety commissioner Todd Barnette&#x27;s reappointment.<ul><li>Barnette, who oversees all emergency response in the city, including police, cannot serve past August without an affirmative council vote.</li></ul>💾 Next month, the city council could, in effect, enact a one-year moratorium on data centers — just by opening debate on the proposal.<ul><li>Under city zoning codes, any &quot;interim ordinance&quot; becomes effective as soon as the council takes what&#x27;s usually a pro-forma vote to &quot;introduce&quot; the legislation, city attorney Kristyn Anderson explained.</li><li>Some downtown boosters see data centers as a means of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rescuing falling property values in office towers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" data-vars-content-id="a1fc9477-b617-491e-a518-556f0a5b3e90" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Witch&#x27;s Hat repairs move forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" target="_self">rescuing falling property values in office towers</a>, but some council members want the city to study the environmental and development risks.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;I do see the upside of increasing revenue for the city, but I want to know what the cost of it is, and I don&#x27;t feel like that&#x27;s clear,&quot; ordinance co-author Council Member Aurin Chowdhury told Axios.<ul><li>She moved to delay the ordinance&#x27;s introduction to May 21.</li></ul>

Newer food halls think small and suburban

Remote work has changed where we spend our happy hours and weekends.

Big cities may have built the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/03/03/minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities-food-hall-trend" data-vars-content-id="e58f423b-3e5f-4dd7-b141-2c99170af1bd" data-vars-headline="Newer food halls think small and suburban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/03/03/minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities-food-hall-trend" target="_self">food hall</a> industry&#x27;s brand, but the nation&#x27;s next wave of food hall projects will be built in suburbs and smaller spaces.Why it matters: That takeaway from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of Food Halls" data-vars-click-url="https://colicchioconsulting.com/state-of-food-halls-2026/" data-vars-content-id="e58f423b-3e5f-4dd7-b141-2c99170af1bd" data-vars-headline="Newer food halls think small and suburban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://colicchioconsulting.com/state-of-food-halls-2026/" target="_blank">State of Food Halls</a> report — recently presented to a gathering of industry insiders in Minneapolis — is another sign of how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remote work" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/26/minnesota-remote-work-highest-states-hybrid" data-vars-content-id="e58f423b-3e5f-4dd7-b141-2c99170af1bd" data-vars-headline="Newer food halls think small and suburban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/26/minnesota-remote-work-highest-states-hybrid" target="_self">remote work</a> has changed where we spend our happy hours and our weekends.<ul><li>Nationwide, 14 of the 20 newest food halls opened in suburbs or small towns.</li></ul>

Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront

Arch and River is expected to open this summer.

Things to Do

A French &quot;bistronomie&quot; serving Afro-Caribbean fare is moving into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Owamni&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/08/16/owamni-minneapolis-sioux-chef-indigenous-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="534ca575-694c-4e11-b19f-aa69ec2e515e" data-vars-headline="Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/08/16/owamni-minneapolis-sioux-chef-indigenous-restaurant" target="_self">Owamni&#x27;s</a> spot along the Mississippi River. Why it matters: Owamni&#x27;s upcoming departure from the Water Works Pavilion, operated by the Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board, opens up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prime restaurant real estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/10/highest-grossing-minneapolis-park-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="534ca575-694c-4e11-b19f-aa69ec2e515e" data-vars-headline="Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/10/highest-grossing-minneapolis-park-restaurants" target="_self">prime restaurant real estate</a> overlooking the Stone Arch Bridge.

Twin Cities' last nonalcoholic bottle shop is in danger of closing

Almost every Twin Cities nonalcoholic bottle shop has closed this year, and the only one left is barely hanging on.

Almost every nonalcoholic bottle shop in the Twin Cities has closed this year — and the only one remaining is on the brink of shutting down, its owner tells Axios.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nonalcoholic drink sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/26/twin-cities-sales-of-na-beer-have-doubled-signaling-a-change-in-how-were-drinking" data-vars-content-id="9716727e-89b5-4235-9e3e-f94922bf92b0" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; last nonalcoholic bottle shop is in danger of closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/26/twin-cities-sales-of-na-beer-have-doubled-signaling-a-change-in-how-were-drinking" target="_self">Nonalcoholic drink sales</a> are booming nationwide as Americans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cut back on alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="9716727e-89b5-4235-9e3e-f94922bf92b0" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; last nonalcoholic bottle shop is in danger of closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">cut back on alcohol</a>.

Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez's latest cupcake creation

The sweet treat was inspired by Abby Jimenez's newest release, "The Night We Met."

Fans of best-selling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="romance novelist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/12/05/romance-bookstore-minneapolis-tropes-trifles-lgbtq-friendly" data-vars-content-id="a9935fa9-c788-4666-ac3f-5989bec396a1" data-vars-headline="Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez&#x27;s latest cupcake creation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/12/05/romance-bookstore-minneapolis-tropes-trifles-lgbtq-friendly" target="_self">romance novelist</a> Abby Jimenez can treat themselves to a special cupcake inspired by the Minnesota author&#x27;s newest release. State of the sweet tooth: Jimenez, who also owns award-winning bakery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nadia Cakes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nadiacakes.com/" data-vars-content-id="a9935fa9-c788-4666-ac3f-5989bec396a1" data-vars-headline="Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez&#x27;s latest cupcake creation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nadiacakes.com/" target="_blank">Nadia Cakes</a>, has a tradition of whipping up custom creations to celebrate her book launches. <ul><li>The latest design mirrors the firework-and-sunset-splashed cover of her seventh novel, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Night We Met" data-vars-click-url="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231801371-the-night-we-met" data-vars-content-id="a9935fa9-c788-4666-ac3f-5989bec396a1" data-vars-headline="Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez&#x27;s latest cupcake creation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231801371-the-night-we-met" target="_blank">The Night We Met</a>,&quot; which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="topped multiple bestseller lists " data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWrNbeZETW8/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="a9935fa9-c788-4666-ac3f-5989bec396a1" data-vars-headline="Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez&#x27;s latest cupcake creation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWrNbeZETW8/?img_index=1" target="_blank">topped multiple bestseller lists </a>after its late March release.</li></ul>

The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul

Minneapolis will be part of the American Great Lakes edition.

After years of speculation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/26/michelin-guide-stars-minneapolis-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/26/michelin-guide-stars-minneapolis-minnesota" target="_self">the Michelin Guide</a> is coming to Minneapolis — but inspectors won&#x27;t be awarding stars anywhere else in the state. The big picture: The prestigious culinary guide announced Wednesday the creation of an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Great Lakes" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/event/american-great-lakes-to-join-the-global-culinary-map-with-new-michelin-guide-edition" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/event/american-great-lakes-to-join-the-global-culinary-map-with-new-michelin-guide-edition" target="_blank">American Great Lakes</a> edition, which will cover restaurants in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.<ul><li>The restaurant selections won&#x27;t be released until 2027, but inspectors are already dining in each city, Michelin said.</li></ul>Why it matters: Michelin stars are among the top honors a restaurant can receive, and having starred restaurants can boost a city&#x27;s culinary tourism and public image.The catch: Getting the guide to come to town comes with a price.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minneapolis.org/tourism-improvement-district/" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minneapolis.org/tourism-improvement-district/" target="_blank">Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District</a>, which is funded by a 2% service charge on hotel room revenue, will pay $250,000 per year for the three-year partnership with Michelin, tourism organization Meet Minneapolis told Axios.</li></ul>Yes, and: The guide will only cover restaurants within Minneapolis city limits, meaning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationally acclaimed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/17/b-cheron-wins-best-new-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/17/b-cheron-wins-best-new-restaurant" target="_self">nationally acclaimed</a> St. Paul spots like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Myriel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/23/myriel-private-dining-tomlinson-st-paul-local-ingredients-farm" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/23/myriel-private-dining-tomlinson-st-paul-local-ingredients-farm" target="_self">Myriel</a> won&#x27;t have the opportunity to earn a star.<ul><li>&quot;We know that increased awareness and recognition in the region can benefit all of us,&quot; Visit Saint Paul CEO Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson said in a statement to Axios. </li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;We have the talent, cultural diversity and hospitality to stand with any culinary destination in the world,&quot; Meet Minneapolis CEO Melvin Tennant said at a news conference.<ul><li>&quot;If there were any secrets left about Minneapolis as a top food city, joining together with the Michelin Guide will remove any of that doubt,&quot; he added.</li></ul>The other side: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hospitalityminnesota.com/sohr/" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hospitalityminnesota.com/sohr/" target="_blank">report</a> released Wednesday by trade association Hospitality Minnesota claims the state&#x27;s industry is &quot;on the brink of no return,&quot; with 57% of hospitality businesses reporting lower profits in 2025.<ul><li>Hospitality Minnesota CEO Angie Whitcomb cited financial pressures, including rising wholesale prices and tariff-related increases, as well as statewide &quot;overregulation.&quot;</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: While the star system receives the most attention, the Michelin Guide also awards the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bib Gourmand" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/the-bib-gourmand" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/the-bib-gourmand" target="_blank">Bib Gourmand</a>, which recognizes restaurants that deliver &quot;high-quality food at great value.&quot;<ul><li>What spot in Minneapolis fits the bill? Email us your thoughts at twincities@axios.com.</li></ul>

Hockey-themed coffee shop takes over Dinkytown's iconic Annie's Parlour

Two for Tripping gave the exterior a makeover.

For the first time since 1974, the Dinkytown space that housed Annie&#x27;s Parlour has a new tenant — a hockey-themed coffee shop.The latest: Two for Tripping, which opened last week and serves specialty coffee and breakfast items, gave the building a hockey-inspired exterior paint job, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Minnesota Daily" data-vars-click-url="https://mndaily.com/city/coffee-shop-two-for-tripping-hopes-to-revitalize-dinkytown/04/01/2026/eicmndaily-com/" data-vars-content-id="b052f240-d221-446b-b504-e68ad70fc7c3" data-vars-headline="Hockey-themed coffee shop takes over Dinkytown&#x27;s iconic Annie&#x27;s Parlour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mndaily.com/city/coffee-shop-two-for-tripping-hopes-to-revitalize-dinkytown/04/01/2026/eicmndaily-com/" target="_blank">per the Minnesota Daily</a>.<ul><li>The interior&#x27;s exposed brick, large windows and wooden booths still remain, and while malts are off the menu, you can request your latte to be served in one of Annie&#x27;s old glasses.</li></ul>Audrey&#x27;s thought bubble: The area has been lacking a spacious, independent coffee shop since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Purple Onion closed" data-vars-click-url="https://mndaily.com/city/long-time-dinkytown-staple-purple-onion-closes-doors/10/19/2020/snoadmin/" data-vars-content-id="b052f240-d221-446b-b504-e68ad70fc7c3" data-vars-headline="Hockey-themed coffee shop takes over Dinkytown&#x27;s iconic Annie&#x27;s Parlour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mndaily.com/city/long-time-dinkytown-staple-purple-onion-closes-doors/10/19/2020/snoadmin/" target="_blank">The Purple Onion closed</a> in 2020, and this is a solid replacement — even if the coffee needs a little work.

Kado No Mise chef is Minnesota's only James Beard finalist

Shigeyuki Furukawa is up for the Midwest's best chef.

Kado No Mise chef Shigeyuki Furukawa was named a James Beard Award finalist Tuesday for the Midwest&#x27;s best chef.Why it matters: Out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10 Minnesota restaurants and chefs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/minnesota-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="21195618-766b-4272-b977-0f77534a08a2" data-vars-headline="Kado No Mise chef is Minnesota&#x27;s only James Beard finalist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/minnesota-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">10 Minnesota restaurants and chefs</a> who were previously named semifinalists in the Oscar awards of the foodie world, Furukawa is the only nominee who made the shortlist.

Restaurant roundup: Pajarito closes St. Paul location

The Edina outpost will remain open, owners said.

Midtown Global Market is welcoming two new vendors this week. After closing its LynLake restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last October," data-vars-click-url="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/plant-based-restaurant-will-leave-its-lyn-lake-storefront-at-the-end-of-october-" data-vars-content-id="4a7ae240-b179-40c0-abf2-c1483c69fad3" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Pajarito closes St. Paul location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/plant-based-restaurant-will-leave-its-lyn-lake-storefront-at-the-end-of-october-" target="_blank">last October,</a> vegan soul food spot Trio Plant-Based is reopening inside the market Friday, per a release.<ul><li>Somali eatery 7 Spices, which previously operated within Karmel Mall, will hold its grand opening Saturday to mark the end of Ramadan.</li></ul>

Tips for solo dining in the Twin Cities

Flying solo this week? Book a table for one and let the bread basket keep you company.State of the plates: Last month, we asked readers to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="share their takes and tips on solo dining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-3ab9c240-05e8-11f1-8569-3d6a0718fe12.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story5 " data-vars-content-id="c61eb585-dfe9-48a0-ba28-a02718845e12" data-vars-headline="Tips for solo dining in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-3ab9c240-05e8-11f1-8569-3d6a0718fe12.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story5 " target="_self">share their takes and tips on solo dining</a> in light of new data showing it&#x27;s on the rise. <ul><li>As usual, the answers were *chef&#x27;s kiss.* </li></ul>

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