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A decade without a major shopping center is squeezing Twin Cities retailers

Retail rents in the Twin Cities are growing faster than anywhere in the U.S.

Development

It&#x27;s been nearly 10 years since a large-scale shopping center opened in the Twin Cities, and despite a growing appetite for more space, there are no imminent plans for another. Why it matters: Retailers and restaurants looking to open shop are feeling the pinch. A recent JLL report says Twin Cities retail rents last quarter grew by 6.7% year-over-year, the largest hike in the nation.

Minnesota paid leave program came in $70M under budget in first 6 months

While officials say it's been running smoothly, some have been frustrated by the system.

News

State officials say they&#x27;ve seen &quot;robust interest&quot; in Minnesota&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paid leave program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/12k-minnesotans-apply-for-paid-leave-in-days-after-launch" data-vars-content-id="b4683e65-7e50-4c72-9cc2-c297e76042e1" data-vars-headline="Minnesota paid leave program came in $70M under budget in first 6 months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/12k-minnesotans-apply-for-paid-leave-in-days-after-launch" target="_self">paid leave program</a> since its January launch. Why it matters: Nearly 75,000 Minnesotans took advantage of the program in the first six months, allowing them up to 12 weeks — or longer in some situations — to bond with a newborn, recover from a medical issue or care for a sick family member.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Country Club, drone show, pickleball and more

The country music spinoff of the popular Yacht Club festival arrives in St. Paul's Harriet Island this weekend.

Things to Do

The country music spinoff of the popular Yacht Club festival arrives in St. Paul&#x27;s Harriet Island this weekend. The two-day <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Country Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minnesotacountryclubfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="0385c4e4-c7f0-498f-a262-1804cf5261e2" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Country Club, drone show, pickleball and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minnesotacountryclubfest.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Country Club</a> is a new wave country festival, so don&#x27;t expect to see the big corporate country acts. <ul><li>Friday&#x27;s lineup includes Treaty Oak Revival, Charley Crockett and Stephen Wilson Jr. </li><li>Saturday features the Red Clay Strays, Jessie Murph and Duluth&#x27;s Trampled by Turtles. $115+ for one-day passes. </li></ul>

Restaurant Roundup: Owamni's twist on July 4

It's offering a different perspective on the holiday.

Food and Drink

Indígena by Owamni — which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="began service at the Guthrie Theater last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/02/owamni-is-moving-to-guthrie-theater-what-s-next" data-vars-content-id="9b796a01-9007-45ae-85e7-e2162e8da358" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Owamni&#x27;s twist on July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/02/owamni-is-moving-to-guthrie-theater-what-s-next" target="_self">began service at the Guthrie Theater last week</a> — is opening on the Fourth of July to offer a different perspective on the holiday.Driving the news: Chef Sean Sherman&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eatery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/06/14/owamni-best-new-restaurant-james-beard-awards" data-vars-content-id="9b796a01-9007-45ae-85e7-e2162e8da358" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Owamni&#x27;s twist on July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/06/14/owamni-best-new-restaurant-james-beard-awards" target="_self">eatery</a> celebrating Indigenous cooking will hold a &quot;Grand Opening Brunch&quot; on July 4, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an event listing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1286187246675694?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="9b796a01-9007-45ae-85e7-e2162e8da358" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Owamni&#x27;s twist on July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1286187246675694?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">an event listing</a>. $50 per buffet plate

Sea Salt cookbook celebrates 20 years at Minnehaha Falls

The new cookbook shares recipes, stories and history from the beloved Minneapolis seafood spot.

Fans of Sea Salt can soon savor some of the beloved summertime spot&#x27;s signature dishes year-round at home. What&#x27;s baking: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new cookbook" data-vars-click-url="https://www.upress.umn.edu/9781517920388/sea-salt-eatery/" data-vars-content-id="9a5727f4-8bd2-4588-bb89-0ce12f974d58" data-vars-headline="Sea Salt cookbook celebrates 20 years at Minnehaha Falls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.upress.umn.edu/9781517920388/sea-salt-eatery/" target="_blank">new cookbook</a> celebrating the popular park restaurant&#x27;s two-decade history at Minnehaha Falls, by co-owner Kait Ziemer-Davis and retired Star Tribune journalist Gail Rosenblum.

Twin Cities bars hope FIFA World Cup means big business

"Watching the World Cup needs to be done with people," one St. Paul soccer bar owner tells Axios.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="07af49b4-d824-4f3a-af27-4ec5f4b529d7" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities bars hope FIFA World Cup means big business" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> kicks off Thursday with soccer matches set to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada.Why it matters: The monthlong tournament is the crowning moment of the world&#x27;s most popular sport — and one of the world&#x27;s largest parties.

Where to watch the FIFA World Cup in the Twin Cities

Here are some watch events to put on your calendar.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="2f431e90-ca46-421e-b4e3-04d682077456" data-vars-headline="Where to watch the FIFA World Cup in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" target="_self">FIFA World Cup </a>fans in the Twin Cities, here are some watch events to put on your calendar — plus some local bars and restaurants that will be reliably showing games.

Minnesota's breweries had a rough 2025

Five of the six largest breweries saw declining sales in 2025

Minnesota&#x27;s craft breweries continue to suffer major sales declines, according to new state production numbers. By the numbers: Five of the six <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest breweries in Minnesota" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/26/minnesota-s-largest-craft-breweries" data-vars-content-id="fbc6159a-0937-40a5-aedc-a96ae286a0ba" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s breweries had a rough 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/26/minnesota-s-largest-craft-breweries" target="_self">largest breweries in Minnesota</a> reported a decline in annual production between 2024 and 2025, according to state data.

Restaurant Roundup: Revival's revival

Rock Elm Tavern has also rebranded under a new owner, with smoked meats on the menu

🍗 The owners of Borough are closing the North Loop restaurant in late June and will open fried chicken restaurant Revival in the space, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per Fox9" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox9.com/news/borough-closing-north-loop-revival-will-return-its-spot" data-vars-content-id="e652e63c-5fd7-464a-a05c-72ad2f1502c4" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Revival&#x27;s revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox9.com/news/borough-closing-north-loop-revival-will-return-its-spot" target="_blank">per Fox9</a>.<ul><li>They <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="purchased" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/14/fried-chicken-restaurant-revival-reopens-new-ownership" data-vars-content-id="e652e63c-5fd7-464a-a05c-72ad2f1502c4" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Revival&#x27;s revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/14/fried-chicken-restaurant-revival-reopens-new-ownership" target="_self">purchased</a> the Revival brand in 2025 after an abrupt shutdown. </li></ul>🍔 Parlour, the popular subterranean cocktail bar and burger spot run by the same hospitality group, will close briefly for renovations.

Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands

Ducks on Lake will open on East Lake Street as soon as next month, Longfellow Whatever reports.

Duck Duck Coffee is expanding to East Lake Street, Longfellow Whatever <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" target="_blank">reports</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ducks on Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" target="_blank">Ducks on Lake</a> will open in the former Milkweed space as soon as next month.<ul><li>In more coffee news, Eden Prairie&#x27;s Smith Coffee &amp; Cafe is adding a new location at 50th &amp; France this fall, owners told the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Star Tribune" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" target="_blank">Minnesota Star Tribune</a>.</li><li>And Arya Cafe, the Ethiopian coffee shop on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis, has reopened after a three-month closure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per its social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" target="_blank">per its social media</a>.</li></ul>🇫🇷 Restaurant Aubergine, the neighborhood French bistro by Gavin Kaysen alums, opens Friday in Cathedral Hill. As of Thursday afternoon, a few reservations were still available.🍗 Beast Barbecue in Northeast Minneapolis will permanently close on May 2 after seven years in operation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it announced this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" target="_blank">it announced this week</a>.<ul><li>No reason was given for the closure, but the building was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" target="_blank">on the market</a> in 2024.</li></ul>🇵🇱 Black Duck Spirits &amp; Hearth has rebranded as a &quot;wood-fired Polish bistro&quot; with 16 new Slavic-inspired menu items, per a release.<ul><li>Meanwhile, Brian Ingram&#x27;s North Loop pasta spot Salt &amp; Flour Kitchen will relaunch May 4 with &quot;nothing over $15,&quot; Ingram announced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>.</li></ul>🍻 Four Minnesota breweries, including Northbound Smokehouse &amp; Brewpub and Forgotten Star Brewing Co., took home medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Full list of winners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" target="_blank">Full list of winners</a>

Newer food halls think small and suburban

Remote work has changed where we spend our happy hours and weekends.

Big cities may have built the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/03/03/minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities-food-hall-trend" data-vars-content-id="e58f423b-3e5f-4dd7-b141-2c99170af1bd" data-vars-headline="Newer food halls think small and suburban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/03/03/minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities-food-hall-trend" target="_self">food hall</a> industry&#x27;s brand, but the nation&#x27;s next wave of food hall projects will be built in suburbs and smaller spaces.Why it matters: That takeaway from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of Food Halls" data-vars-click-url="https://colicchioconsulting.com/state-of-food-halls-2026/" data-vars-content-id="e58f423b-3e5f-4dd7-b141-2c99170af1bd" data-vars-headline="Newer food halls think small and suburban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://colicchioconsulting.com/state-of-food-halls-2026/" target="_blank">State of Food Halls</a> report — recently presented to a gathering of industry insiders in Minneapolis — is another sign of how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remote work" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/26/minnesota-remote-work-highest-states-hybrid" data-vars-content-id="e58f423b-3e5f-4dd7-b141-2c99170af1bd" data-vars-headline="Newer food halls think small and suburban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/26/minnesota-remote-work-highest-states-hybrid" target="_self">remote work</a> has changed where we spend our happy hours and our weekends.<ul><li>Nationwide, 14 of the 20 newest food halls opened in suburbs or small towns.</li></ul>

Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront

Arch and River is expected to open this summer.

A French &quot;bistronomie&quot; serving Afro-Caribbean fare is moving into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Owamni&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/08/16/owamni-minneapolis-sioux-chef-indigenous-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="534ca575-694c-4e11-b19f-aa69ec2e515e" data-vars-headline="Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/08/16/owamni-minneapolis-sioux-chef-indigenous-restaurant" target="_self">Owamni&#x27;s</a> spot along the Mississippi River. Why it matters: Owamni&#x27;s upcoming departure from the Water Works Pavilion, operated by the Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board, opens up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prime restaurant real estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/10/highest-grossing-minneapolis-park-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="534ca575-694c-4e11-b19f-aa69ec2e515e" data-vars-headline="Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/10/highest-grossing-minneapolis-park-restaurants" target="_self">prime restaurant real estate</a> overlooking the Stone Arch Bridge.

Twin Cities' last nonalcoholic bottle shop is in danger of closing

Almost every Twin Cities nonalcoholic bottle shop has closed this year, and the only one left is barely hanging on.

Almost every nonalcoholic bottle shop in the Twin Cities has closed this year — and the only one remaining is on the brink of shutting down, its owner tells Axios.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nonalcoholic drink sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/26/twin-cities-sales-of-na-beer-have-doubled-signaling-a-change-in-how-were-drinking" data-vars-content-id="9716727e-89b5-4235-9e3e-f94922bf92b0" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; last nonalcoholic bottle shop is in danger of closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/26/twin-cities-sales-of-na-beer-have-doubled-signaling-a-change-in-how-were-drinking" target="_self">Nonalcoholic drink sales</a> are booming nationwide as Americans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cut back on alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="9716727e-89b5-4235-9e3e-f94922bf92b0" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; last nonalcoholic bottle shop is in danger of closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">cut back on alcohol</a>.

Food and Drink 🍽

Restaurant Roundup: Owamni's twist on July 4

Sea Salt cookbook celebrates 20 years at Minnehaha Falls

Twin Cities bars hope FIFA World Cup means big business

Where to watch the FIFA World Cup in the Twin Cities

56 Brewery plans to demolish part of popular Northeast Minneapolis patio