Minneapolis Cider Co. Doubles Down in Northeast

Two-year-old Minneapolis Cider Co. just doubled in size to 30,000 square feet in order to accommodate more beer drinkers, events, and pickleball players, per Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. The creative cidery that doubles as a fitness center with weekend workout classes carved out more space to add more taproom seating, two more courts for its increasingly popular paddle leagues, and a 7,000-square-foot private events space. The brand took over the former Rypen furniture complex next door in order to grow by 15,000 square feet (701 SE 9th Street). Along with 10 types of craft ciders on tap, cocktails, and wine, the versatile cidery serves sweet crepes and galettes out of its on-site French eatery Breizh Crêperie. The expansion’s unveiling party on Friday, September 10, features live music and s’mores until midnight.

In other news...

• After a year-long hiatus, fast-casual Rōti reopened its University of Minnesota location on Tuesday, August 31. To celebrate its comeback, the chain rolled out new offerings specific to its St. Paul locale: za’atar spiced French fries and Mediterranean-inspired milkshakes that include a vanilla version with baklava and chocolate with tahini.

Rōti/official photo

• It’s last call for Menchie’s frozen yogurt shop in Highland Park. After a decade-long run on Cleveland Avenue, the franchise’s sole Minnesota locale will sling its last self-serve swirls on Saturday, September 11. The build-your-own brand rebooted in-person service this spring after going the takeout route during the shutdown.
• Popular brisket and ribs spot Minnesota Barbecue Co. will close its two-year-old Northeast location on October 3. Travail Collective’s Kansas City-style barbecue venture will sign off with takeout and closing specials like a pastrami sandwich next week followed by tacos and aged prime rib (816 Lowry Avenue NE).
• The Mall of America just welcomed a crop of new dining options with the arrivals of Capital One Cafe, DeLeo Bros. Pizza, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, and Uni Uni. A second wave of openings will soon fuel up shoppers on doughnuts, Mediterranean fare, ramen and more, notes Star Tribune.
• Chef Jorge Guzmán of Minneapolis’s Petite Leon and Pollo al Carbon is traveling to the Yucatán with Modern Adventure for a culinary-inspired trip from September 3 to 8, 2022, and bookings are now open.