Rustica Expands and the Future of Brut in This Week’s Food News

Twelve years after opening its doors in Minneapolis, Rustica Bakery launched its second location this week. The new spot, at the Historic Smith Douglas More house in Eden Prairie, will feature some favorites from the Minneapolis location, as well as new made-to-order and pre-made breakfast and lunch items. Beverages from Dogwood Coffee and Spruce Soda will round out the menu.

Local business woman Ann Schuster ran the Dunn Brothers franchise at the Smith Douglas More House for 10 years. When her franchise contract expired, she partnered up with Greg Hoyt, Rustica owner and Dogwood Coffee co-founder, to bring Rustica to the Southern ‘burb.

“Ann’s strong connection to the Eden Prairie community and this historic gathering place are an ideal fit for Rustica,” Hoyt said in a recent press release.

Rustica Bakery’s Calhoun Village location is also still going strong.

— This winter, restauranteur Ryan Burnet announced he would open a healthy new concept eatery in the former Wayzata location of People’s Organic. The restaurant, rationally called Crisp & Green, isn’t even open yet, and Burnet, the hardest working man in the biz, has already announced a second location. Crisp & Green number two will reside in the space previously reserved for the much-anticipated Brut by Erik Anderson and Jamie Malone, the onetime home of Sapor. Burnet said when the building became available 45 days ago, he jumped at the opportunity to operate in the location.

We reached out to Malone and Anderson, who said that they would prefer to keep all details about their upcoming restaurant under wraps - including whether Brut is still the concept, but assured us that things are going “really well.” We hungrily await their next update.

— Mercury Dining Room and Hall, the first of Blue Plate Restaurant Co.’s upcoming new entries into the local culinary scene, is ready for its close up. The elegant but welcoming restaurant in the former Brasserie Zentral space will open right on schedule on Tuesday, October 25. Mercury promises to fill a gap in the downtown market which is lacking in mid-range, neighborhoody bistros, according to co-owners Stephanie Shimp and David Burley. The team will open the adjacent Shindig, a private events space in the former Foreign Legion, in the next few weeks. Mpls./St. Paul Magazine got the first shots inside and it’s looking pretty.

— Help Wanted: Several of our most anticipated spots are hiring around town: some old favorites, some brand new, and some revamped and almost ready to roll.

Young Joni is hiring for back of house positions including line, prep, wood fired pizza oven cooks, grill cooks and dishwashers. Stop by at their Job Fair over the next two days to apply and interview. The job fair will be held at Dangerous Man Brewing Company on Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 12 from 9am - 3pm. Click here for more information or want to apply online.

Eddie Wu is looking for a new chef over at Cook St. Paul after Chef Taelyn Lang’s departure to pursue his dreams of owning a goat farm in Oregon. No lie.

Over at Tullibee, incoming Austin chef Grae Nonas’ Nordic restaurant in the upcoming Hewing Hotel, several positions are open in both the front and back of the house. Click here for more details.

And at the eagerly anticipated Cafe Alma, a slew of spots need filling. Click here for the Craig’s List ad.

Plus, Pajarito, the Mexican restaurant from chefs Stephan Hesse and Tyge Nelson are accepting resumes at shesse@pajaritostp.com.