Latest news with #MalcolmYards
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alcohol in Minnesota: Social districts, food trucks and food halls eyed by lawmakers
The Brief Minnesota is moving towards much more tolerance for alcohol and both local governments and businesses are hoping it can be an economic engine for Main Streets. 24 bills in two committees expand alcohol availability in various ways. They would allow liquor licenses for food trucks, give liquor licenses to proposed food halls in downtown Minneapolis and St. Louis Park's West End, and any city to create a social district. Social districts are small areas where cities can allow people to carry and consume alcohol as they walk the streets. Anoka has had a lot of success with a social district pilot program over the last two summers. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Alcohol is expected to be the engine powering a lot of new economic opportunities in Minnesota. Taking shots Cities may be adding liquor licenses for food trucks and food halls, and they could choose to create social districts, like the one that's been so successful for Anoka. Thursday was basically Booze Day at the Capitol. Lawmakers heard 24 bills in two committees to expand where alcohol is sold. And no matter where you live, it could be coming to you. "Welcome to the world of alcohol," said Rep. Tom O'Driscoll (R-Sartell), as he chaired the House commerce committee. Alcohol literally brought people together at the Capitol, and a lot of businesses are hoping it'll bring them prosperity. Sip and stroll They're asking to allow cities to shape their own social districts, or, in other words, small areas where drinking would be allowed on the streets. "Not only would be great step towards helping recovering downtowns, but also be a great to promote community in our downtowns," said St. Cloud restaurant owner Ray Harrington. "It's been tried other places," said Sen. Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville). "It seems to work." Sen. Duckworth has seen the success of Anoka's social district pilot program, so he wants it for Lakeville. St. Paul wants one. St. Cloud does, too. Minneapolis is already planning one for Nicollet Mall. Malcolm in the middle And the state's most populous city also has more plans to add alcohol options downtown. "This legislation would allow the city to potentially bring an interesting dining option similar to the Malcolm Yards," said Rep. Katie Jones, (DFL-Minneapolis).Her first bill as a legislator, and another from Rep. Larry Kraft, (DFL-St. Louis Park), would help the Malcolm Yards owners launch new food halls with liquor licenses at LaSalle Plaza in Minneapolis and at St. Louis Park's West End. But expanding where alcohol can be served comes with concerns for some legislators. "How are you going to make sure that we don't have people taking their booze and wandering off?" asked Rep. Leigh Finke, (DFL-St. Paul).Malcolm Yards owners say a wristband system and alcohol training have worked for them. Food truck owners say they'd take similar precautions if they could get temporary liquor licenses that could help keep them in business, especially in Greater Minnesota. "We've lost some jobs because we're not able to have the liquor to have for the groom's dinner or the wedding reception and stuff like that," said Jason Schmidt, who owns the Smokin' Brews and 'Ques food truck in Alexandria. Another place you might see alcohol pop up is cosmetology salons. What's next All of these ideas passed on Thursday, but we'll have to wait for a final commerce bill to see which of them will get final approval.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Market at Malcolm Yards to add World Street Kitchen this month
Uptown restaurant World Street Kitchen will open a second Minneapolis outpost this month inside The Market at Malcolm Yards. Brothers Sameh and Saed Wadi founded World Street Kitchen over a decade ago, beginning with a food truck before establishing their popular neighborhood restaurant. At the soon-to-be food hall location, which takes over the former Mr. Paul's Po' Boys and Jams space, World Street Kitchen will continue to offer dishes from across the globe. "World Street Kitchen is cooking without borders," said Chef Sameh Wadi in a news release. "We source diverse ingredients worldwide to create unique and bold flavors. We can't wait to showcase our favorite dishes and celebrate global cuisine." Yum Yum Rice Bowls, made with steamed rice, soft-cooked egg, and a "secret sauce", are perhaps World Street's Kitchen most-loved dish. Both the Yum Yum Rice Bowls and Bangkok Burritos are made with Korean-style BBQ short ribs, crispy marinated tofu or chicken. Lemongrass meatballs and Vietnamese-style turmeric and dill fish are also offered on the rice bowl menu. "We are excited to enhance our offerings and provide a diverse culinary experience for our guests," Patricia Wall, owner of The Market at Malcolm Yards, said in statement. "World Street Kitchen brings a new global and flavorful cuisine to The Market." In a recent interview with Twin Cities Business Magazine, Wall confirmed she's looking to bring The Market at Malcolm Yards to the west metro. Wall told the magazine she's eyeing St. Louis Park for a second location, which will ideally feature a rooftop patio.
