France 44 plans expansion with patio for private events

Southwest Minneapolis' France 44 is planning a big expansion, including a patio deck for private and pop-up events.

What's happening: The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved requests related to the popular liquor and gourmet cheese shop's renovation plans at a meeting Monday night.

Details: The proposed expansion, first reported by Southwest Voices, would include a "lounge area, classroom with demonstration kitchen, restroom, as well as an outdoor herb garden and outdoor deck," according to documents submitted to the city.

• The addition would add a total 8,807 square feet to the Linden Hills shop, with space for both customer-facing and behind-the-scenes operations.

What they're saying: "This new space will be geared towards ticketed events: corporate team-building classes, private rentals, pop-up wine bars," France 44 owner Rick Anderson told Axios.

• The shop will also offer professional certification courses, including possibly the advanced WSET Level 3 qualification for wine professionals and enthusiasts. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated to further clarify France 44's plans for professional certification courses.