Downtown Minneapolis lands high-end seafood restaurant

• It’s across the street from the company's steakhouse, 801 Chophouse, which opened in 2019.
• 801 Fish is taking up the 9,100 square foot space formerly occupied by McCormick & Schmick's, which closed in 2020.

Why it matters: The downtown restaurant scene was battered by the pandemic. 801 Restaurant Group placing a big bet on its rebound is a promising sign.

What they're saying: Leasing broker Kris Schisel, who along with Tony Strauss represents the building owner, confirmed that a "prominent and appealing" seafood restaurant had signed a lease, but declined to identify the operator.

State of play: It's been a mixed bag for downtown retail and dining lately.

• Tom's Watch Bar has opened on Hennepin Avenue.
• Daniel del Prado re-made two restaurants in the Rand Tower Hotel.
• Kim Bartmann is opening Star Bar & Bistro in the former Crowne Plaza in January.

Yes, but: Rock Bottom Brewery closed after almost 30 years downtown, as did Seven Steakhouse and Sushi.

• And Nordstrom Rack told the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal that it will close this week.

Of note: 801 Restaurant Group could not be reached by Axios for comment.