Fixer Upper Stars Dig the North Loop’s Hardware Store Turned Eatery

Chip and Joanna Gaines made a brief pit stop in the North Loop yesterday and stopped the NOLO’s Kitchen for a meal and a photo op. The Fixer Upper stars likely felt right at home inside the restaurant that was the longtime home of Gardner Hardware store. Chef/owner Peter Hoff wasn’t actually in the kitchen when the Gaineses dined, so he’s not even certain of what they ordered. He did say the response to them then, and now was enthusiastic.

Eager fans continually approached the duo as they tried to dine, however the two remained patient and warm with fans while graciously posing for snapshots.

Hoff said the response to the Gaines visit has been crazy. “People are showing up tonight to see if they come back.”

Rebecca Slater / Eater Twin Cities

It’s suspected that the stars of HGTV’s massively popular home makeover show were in town consulting on the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line at Target headquarters.

Nolo’s Kitchen first opened in the fall of 2017 as an all day eatery serving breakfast through dinner with a subterranean bar styled after the neighborhood dive bars of Hoff’s hometown, Duluth, Minnesota.

Spot a celebrity eating or drinking around town? Hit the tipline and let us know.

• Nolo’s Kitchen is the neighborhood restaurant the North Loop deserves [ETC]
• A First Look Inside NOLO’s Kitchen [ETC]
• Where to eat and drink around the North Loop [ETC]