FOODWORKS, a Chicago-based hospitality company with an eye for what’s exciting in local food, continues to expand its national reach with the launch of its newest location inside the Thrivent Financial building in downtown Minneapolis.
FOODWORKS partners with local restaurants and places them in prime locations in office buildings, retail complexes and other high-visibility sites. Starting this month, a rotating lineup of Minneapolis-area restaurants will operate out of the FOODWORKS station in Thrivent’s cafe on a weekly basis, serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.
First up is the family-owned Dino’s Mediterranean Fresh, which will serve Greek specialties. Other featured FOODWORKS restaurants will include Tiger Sushi, a longstanding Mall of America favorite, and Hot Indian, a fun fast-casual Indian eatery. Pork & Mindy’s, a Chicago-based barbecue joint from Food Network star Jeff Mauro, also will join the FOODWORKS roster in Minneapolis.
FOODWORKS plans to open additional locations in other Minneapolis-area properties.
FOODWORKS partners with independent restaurants and women- and minority-owned businesses that specialize in a range of cuisines and emphasize quality ingredients, responsible sourcing and sustainability. A division of global hospitality leader Compass Group/Eurest, FOODWORKS also partners with culinary schools on a work-study program that lets student-run guest restaurants operate in its stations, with the proceeds going back to the schools.
“We bring the flavors of different neighborhoods into one space. You don’t have to get in your car, think about where to eat or make a reservation,” says Jim Caldwell, FOODWORKS director and Eurest regional executive chef. “We’re excited to join the local food community in Minneapolis. Our goal is not only to make lunch more interesting for our guests, but to help local restaurants grow and succeed in the process.”
FOODWORKS launched in Chicago in the spring of 2018 and has since brought its community-based incubator concept to Detroit, Phoenix and Denver, with plans to roll out in the coming months in Philadelphia and Boston.
