Minnesota Farmers Union will open its first restaurant this summer in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS — A farm-to-table restaurant owned by the Minnesota Farmers Union will open early this summer in the historic Mill District in Minneapolis.

Farmers Kitchen + Bar, which also includes a marketplace, will be the first and only restaurant that’s entirely owned and operated by the members of Minnesota Farmers Union, a grassroots organization that advocates for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

Located at 750 S. Second St. in the former Spoonriver space, the restaurant will be open daily serving breakfast, lunch and supper and will feature a selection of fresh grab-and-go items, products from local makers and farm-fresh produce, eggs, meats.

Part of the goal of the restaurant is to connect guests to local family farmers by bringing the food produced and grown throughout the great agricultural state of Minnesota to their guests’ plates, said Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish, of Renville , in a news release announcing the restaurant.

“We believe every farm has a story and we are excited to have our guests be part of that story,” said Wertish. “We have cultivated close relationships with all of our farmers over the years and are excited to further our support of our farmers by bringing their fresh food directly to guests dining at the restaurant and shopping our market.”

The restaurant was originally slated to open last year but was put on hold because of COVID-19.

Minnesota native Kris Koch will be the executive chef. With more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Koch’s past positions include executive sous chef for Wolfgang Puck, executive chef at the Grand Hotel and director of savory at Patisserie 46.

“Being a part of this project is a dream come true,” said Koch. “Farmers Kitchen + Bar’s mission aligns with my passion and cooking philosophy, which will allow me to continue to work with independent farmers and using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.”

For more information on Farmers Kitchen + Bar, visit www.farmerskitchenandbar.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @farmerskitchenandbar and Twitter @farmersktchn.