Several Minneapolis Restaurants Band Together to Sue Against Vaccine Mandate

Last Wednesday, Minneapolis enacted a new mandate, requiring patrons of indoor dining to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the visit. Now, the Pioneer Press reports that seven restaurants are suing the city and Mayor Jacob Frey, in response to the announcements.

Among the lot of businesses named in the filed request include: Smack Shack, the Gay ’90s, Sneaky Pete’s, Wild Greg’s Saloon, Urban Forage, Jimmy John’s and Bunkers Music Bar and Grill. The publication reports that despite that the mandates are now active for restaurants in St. Paul as well, no St. Paul restaurants are currently included in the legal action. Jeff O’Brien, Minneapolis firm Chestnut Cambronne, an attorney on the case, told the publication that should the suit go over well he may look over the river next.

Mother Dough opens tomorrow (and more locations are to come)

The former Peace Coffee in the ground level of Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, near Second Avenue South, will become Mother Dough tomorrow, January 25. According to the Star Tribune, the new bakery from father and son, David and Eli Fhima will have breakfast sandwiches, tea, espresso, and more bites inspired by “the streets of Paris.” The publication also reports that a second location for Mother Dough is slated for March at another defunct Peace Coffee location in the Capella Tower.

A Minnesota State Fair favorite expands

Que Viet, the beloved Vietnamese spot know for its enlarged egg rolls, is opening a second location. Em Que Viet will open at 1332 Grand Avenue, at Hamline Avenue South, in St. Paul. Maria Nguyen and Brianna Le tell the Star Tribune that the sibling location will feature many of its most popular dishes, as well as new items, such as the Vietnamese crepes, banh xeo. When the restaurant opens this spring, it will have 40 dining-in seats and 10 bar stools.

Gray Duck Tavern returns with new menu and team

The St. Paul restaurant located on 345 Wabasha Street North, near West Fourth Street, is back. Joe Kasel, of Eagle Street Grille, is now at the helm in his new role as managing partner of the Madison Restaurant Group. He tells the Star Tribune that the entire menu has been given a dramatic overhaul. “We are hoping this draws people in two or three times a week instead of that special-occasion feel,” Kasel shared with the publication. “People can’t afford that now, especially during COVID.” Gray Duck’s Justin Sutherland, a past winner of Eater Twin Cities’s “chef of the year,” and a Top Chef alum, is no longer apart of the restaurant group.