On Sunday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced that Minnesota public schools would close statewide beginning by Wednesday through at least March 27 in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Despite seeing a sharp decline in patronage as concerns about the virus intensify, some Twin Cities restaurants are offering to feed kids left out of school.
This is a running list of restaurants offering extra help for families affected by the school closures that we will continue to update as restaurants extend offers.
Minneapolis:
Chris & Rob’s Taste Authority: free hotdog, chips, and juice box between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays
The Bacon Social House: get a free kids meal with the purchase of something else
Que Viet: in Northeast: Free fried rice for kids
Maya Cuisine: Free cheese quesadilla, rice and beans.
Saint Paul:
Hope Breakfast Bar: serving breakfast sandwiches. Email brian@hopebreakfast.com to order. Or contribute to feed a hungry family here.
Billy’s on Grand: free lunch for kids under 14. No other purchase necessary.
Day by Day Cafe: free hotdog and chips for kids
Fare Well Food Truck: Justin Sutherland’s food truck will be parked outside of Public Kitchen serving free lunch at 2pm Thursday March 19.
Eggroll Queen: Free boxed meals available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by or call in your order.
Suburbs:
Lucky Cricket: Free meals for children under 12
Granite City Food & Brewery: offering kids free turkey sandwiches, applesauce, and chips. Just ask for a manager.
Piada Street Food, Mall of America, Eagan, and Woodbury: free pasta with sauce, cheese, and a fountain drink for kids
The Bourbon Butcher: call ahead starting Tuesday for a kid’s meal of a sandwich, fruit cup, chips, cookie, and milk
Zen Box Izakaya: pay-what-you-can ramen bowls
The Bourbon Butcher: free kids meals, call ahead
Whiskey Inferno: free kids meals, call ahead
El Burrito Mercado: Free cheese quesadilla and an apple to kids accompanied by an adult 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
318 Cafe: free turkey, ham and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a side of fruit