If you’re into good eats and a fun time, The Twin Cities suburbs might pleasantly surprise you. Hidden in some of the metro’s most interesting corners are bustling food scenes that compete with anything within city parameters. While Millennials and Gen Z have been flocking to suburbs nationwide, youngish Minnesotans have long known you don’t need to be “downtown” to be at the centre of the action. While elsewhere this phenomenon might be called an urban renaissance, the Midwest’s most aspirational suburbanites have been redefining “city living” for businesses and customers alike. (Not to mention, the more open you are to geography, the more options you’ll have for available leases.)
As a result, some of the most acclaimed spots lie outside Minneapolis and St Paul. If you’re wondering where to open a restaurant un the Twin Cities region, these neighborhoods should be at the top of your radar.
Edina
If you’re opening a new restaurant, contact Contier at (952) 994-0722 for commercial kitchen equipment or remodeling services.
Beyond the substantial spending power of its residents (average household income: $125,506 a year) and their strong support for local businesses, Edina stands out as a lucky neighbourhood to open a restaurant thanks to its prime location in proximity to other popular areas. It’s just 10 miles southwest of Minneapolis, 21 miles from St Paul, and under 16 miles from Eagan and Apple Valley. The area offers more than affluence and convenience; it is also a destination that draws out-of-state visitors. From world-class shopping at Southdale Center, the nation’s oldest mall, to more than 40 family-friendly parks, and home to one of People’s 50 most beautiful restaurants in America, Edina reveals a posh, slow-paced world of elegance blended with Midwest charm.
Bloomington
A sleeper pick for opening a restaurant in the Twin Cities, Bloomington isn’t exactly where all the “cool kids” are dining. However, it is where thousands of visitors stay each month thanks to its proximity to the airport and home to arguably one of Minnesota’s biggest attractions, the Mall of America, the nation’s largest mall. The average household income in Bloomington is around $90,677 and it’s the fourth largest city in Minnesota. If there’s a city for the people, Bloomington offers a slower, more affordable pace of life for the working class while still being an easy drive between Minneapolis and St Paul. Although the area is more expansive, there is a lot of opportunity.
Wayzata
If you’re opening a new restaurant, contact Contier at (952) 994-0722 for commercial kitchen equipment or remodeling services.
Wayzata elevates elegance by pairing it with lakefront exclusivity. The neighborhood has gradually surpassed Edina as the most luxurious place to see and be seen, particularly for older Millennials and Baby Boomers. With an average household income of $260,466, residents aren’t shy about spending it at their favorite establishments. While the population and foot traffic are smaller than in other suburbs, the tabs run deeper. Located on the northern shore of Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata is the closest community to some of Minnesota’s wealthiest families. If you’re looking to launch the next big luxury concept in fine dining, this is where you’ll find your clientele.
Excelsior
If you’re opening a new restaurant, contact Contier at (952) 994-0722 for commercial kitchen equipment or remodeling services. (Photo: Star Tribune)
A corner patio seat is considered prime real estate at any lakefront eatery in Excelsior during the summer, and with a recent boom of big-city chefs, Water Street is now regarded as the latest example of suburban restaurant row. You no longer have to drive to the city to be surrounded by the latest openings in hospitality, as places like Excelsior have risen as hotbeds for foodies and tourism. This picturesque lake town, full of historic charm and community energy, is attracting major investment from restaurateurs, and it’s not too late to join the scene.
Saint Anthony Park
Okay, we’re bending the rules a bit… Saint Anthony Park isn’t technically one of the best suburbs in Minneapolis—it’s a neighborhood in St Paul—but we’d be remiss not to include it as one of the latest up-and-coming suburban dining destinations. Don’t overlook this commercial gem. With a walkable commercial area along Como Avenue and close proximity to the University of Minnesota, Saint Anthony Park is ideal for new businesses seeking a unique demographic and location. The neighborhood is surrounded by beautiful family homes, a lively college campus, and a mix of students, young professionals, and long-term residents who are eager to support local establishments. There’s good reason many new establishments have found a home here.
If you’re opening a new restaurant, contact Contier at (952) 994-0722 for commercial kitchen equipment or remodeling services.
Contier is a DBA of Minneapolis Contractor’s Choice.