Two Heavyweights Return to the Restaurant Business with New Northeast Plan

Kieran Folliard and Ian Gray are teaming up for a new restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis’ Food Building. Kieran’s Kitchen Northeast will be a casual all-day deli and bar with take out available that highlights the other makers inside the Food Building like Red Table Meats, Alemar Cheese, and Baker’s Field breads.

In the kitchen is chef Ian Gray, who rose to prominence at his Lyn/Lake restaurant The Gray House before selling that and downsizing to The Curious Goat, and The Smoking Cow, which were both mobile food operations. Gray stepped away from the food world last year to take a break and focus on his young kids. Now, the dynamic young chef is back and with Alemar Cheese, one has to wonder if some version of his famous cheese curds might return as well.

Behind the whole operation is Kieran Folliard, who was the founder and longtime operator of local Irish pubs like Kieran’s, The Local, and the Liffey. Folliard sold his interest in the restaurants when he launched his own brand of whiskey, 2 Gingers. After that took off to great success, it was purchased by the big guys at Beam. Folliard is also an owner in the Food Building at large.

Now, all of these powers have come together for one sweet sounding little neighborhood spot. Look for it to open August 2nd.

• All Ian Gray Coverage [ETC]
• Last Call for The Curious Goat [CP]
• Kieran Folliard’s 2 Gingers Whiskey Sells to Liquor Giant Beam [STRIB]