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Award-Winning Minneapolis Restaurant Young Joni Closing This Fall
12 months agoUS
Award-winning Minneapolis restaurant Young Joni is set to close this fall after lease renewal negotiations stalled. Opened in 2016, the restaurant, known for its wood-fired pizzas and globally-inspired dishes, quickly gained national acclaim and became a cornerstone of the Northeast Minneapolis dining scene.
Key Insights
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Young Joni will close on September 14 due to failure to reach a lease agreement with Lander Group.
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The restaurant won the Star Tribune’s Restaurant of the Year in 2017 and Ann Kim won a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest in 2019.
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Young Joni's success spurred growth in Northeast Minneapolis' hospitality scene, influencing other restaurants to open in the area.
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A lawsuit was filed by Lander Group against Kim and her husband for $143,169 plus additional charges, related to the lease dispute.
Why This Matters: Young Joni's closure highlights the challenges restaurants face in negotiating leases and maintaining profitability. Its departure will leave a void in the Northeast Minneapolis dining scene, impacting both diners and the local culinary community.
In-Depth Analysis
Young Joni's closure comes after months of stalled lease negotiations between Vestalia Hospitality (owned by Ann Kim and Conrad Leifur) and Lander Group. The initial 10-year lease expired on July 31 last year, with an option to renew for five years if the tenant was not in default.
The dispute arose over the new rent total, with Lander Group seeking a market rate of $30 to $36 per square foot, while Kim and Leifur countered with $18 per square foot. This disagreement led to a lawsuit filed by Lander Group, seeking $143,169 plus additional charges.
Young Joni was not just a restaurant; it was a catalyst for growth in Northeast Minneapolis. Kate Romero, co-owner of Oro by Nixta, acknowledged that Young Joni's success paved the way for other restaurants in the area. The restaurant's innovative menu and vibrant atmosphere made it a popular destination, drawing both locals and tourists. Its closure underscores the delicate balance between culinary ambition and business realities in the restaurant industry. The location became a hotbed of hospitality activity with Oro by Nixta, Yia Vang’s Vinai, Minari and Stargazer by Travail opening nearby.
How to Prepare:
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Support Local Restaurants: Visit and support your favorite local eateries to help them thrive.
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Understand Lease Agreements: Restaurant owners should carefully review and negotiate lease terms to avoid disputes.
Who This Affects Most:
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Restaurant Owners
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Local Diners
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Minneapolis Culinary Community
FAQs
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Q: Why is Young Joni closing?
Young Joni is closing due to a lease dispute with the Lander Group, the building's owner, after failing to reach an agreement on a lease renewal.
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Q: When will Young Joni close?
The restaurant will close on September 14, 2025.
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Q: Where can I use my Young Joni gift cards?
Any unused Young Joni gift cards can be used at Pizzeria Lola.
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Q: What made Young Joni special?
Young Joni was known for its wood-fired pizzas, globally-inspired dishes, and its significant contribution to the vibrant Northeast Minneapolis dining scene. It also won the Star Tribune’s Restaurant of the Year in 2017, and chef Ann Kim won a James Beard Award in 2019.
Key Takeaways
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Young Joni's closure highlights the challenges of lease negotiations in the restaurant industry.
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The restaurant played a vital role in the growth of Northeast Minneapolis' hospitality scene.
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Ann Kim's culinary innovation and leadership have left a lasting impact on the local community.
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Gift cards can be used at Pizzeria Lola.
Discussion
What are your favorite memories of Young Joni? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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