A downtown destination alive with potential
The Covid-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for businesses nationwide, with Black-owned establishments being disproportionately affected. Despite these hardships, the Breakfast Bar of MN has thrived in downtown Minneapolis, crediting its success to strong community support and adaptability.
Committed to community
More than just a restaurant, the Breakfast Bar of MN serves as a vibrant community space where patrons can enjoy a delicious meal, wind down, and catch a vibe in downtown Minneapolis.
The vision for the Breakfast Bar of MN was conceived by former NFL player and co-founder Marcus Williams. Inspired by his travels across the United States, where he experienced restaurants with great food, nightlife, and hookah, Williams sought to bring a similar experience to his hometown. In 2019, he made that dream a reality, establishing the Breakfast Bar of MN in downtown Minneapolis.
As the business continues to expand, so do the possibilities within the space. Located at 319 1st Avenue North, Breakfast Bar of MN offers a rich and dynamic environment to explore and enjoy. The venue boasts an enclosed, heated outdoor patio, perfect for hookah and nightlife entertainment, as well as a back bar and dining area used for fine dining events, live music, and general dining. Additionally, there is a front dining space for guests to enjoy.
Beyond these first-level areas, an upstairs event space — still relatively unknown to many community members — was recently introduced and is set to expand significantly in 2025. This space will cater to corporate retreats, small wedding receptions, private gatherings, and co-working opportunities.
Whether you’re dining in, ordering online, or catering for a company event, Breakfast Bar of MN has you covered. “We want to be seen as a destination for the community for various opportunities,” said co-owner Darryl Lindsey.
Since opening, the Breakfast Bar of MN has had a notable impact on the local economy, hiring over 84 community members. Beyond job creation, the restaurant prioritizes sourcing fresh ingredients from local growers, with Lindsey himself cultivating a portion of the produce used in their signature dishes. Customer favorites include chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and the soul food plate.
Overcoming challenges
Despite its success, the business has faced its share of obstacles. One of the biggest challenges has been finding skilled labor to maintain high levels of customer service.
Another challenge has been adapting to the uncertainties of Covid and its aftermath while trying to anticipate the future of business.
Though they did and are still moving strategically to keep the business alive and profitable. Lindsey shares that, “In doing so, we have had to pivot and downsize the business to meet the needs of the environment we are now in.”
The support of the community is never to be underestimated. Lindsey shares this sentiment, as he attributes much of the success to loyal patrons of the business: “I’d like to thank the community. The community is what has made us successful. [Through the pandemic] they showed up and showed out. They were great supporters of us from the beginning and still are.”
With continued community backing and strategic expansion, the Breakfast Bar of MN is poised for long-term success, solidifying its place as a staple in Minneapolis’s culinary and cultural scene.
Deliberate delegation
As a mentor and consultant to many, Lindsey’s advice to business owners is, “Be as versatile as possible in your skillset. Be willing to put in the hard work and understand that you’ll be working around the clock to ensure that your business is successful.”
He also encourages entrepreneurs to make sure they invest in the professionals needed to assist them, whether it be legal, financial, or in the accounting arena. They need to adhere to all local laws, ordinances, policies and procedures so that they can focus on running the business, and those professionals can focus on keeping the legal and financial matters in order.
For those looking for a late-night vibe, Greenhouse Lounge, located on the outdoor patio offers a specialty late night menu, hookah, and cigars. Open times and Happy Hour updates available on their Instagram @GreenhouseLoungeMN.
Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses to kwilliams@spokesman-recorder.com.