Foodservice News

09/26/2025

The Toby Foundation was created by a group of hospitality professionals to honor their late colleague, Toby Landgraf, by supporting the next generation of leaders in the hospitality industry. In partnership with University of Wisconsin-Stout, Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation, ACF Minneapolis Chapter, and Upper Midwest Chapter of CMAA. The annual Toby Tournament has raised more than $600,000 since 1986. These funds have provided scholarships to over 500 Minnesota hospitality students, helping them pursue and advance their education and careers.

The Toby Tournament is an excellent way for hospitality professionals to come together in support of these students and provide for future professionals within the hospitality industry.

SAVE THE DATE for the 40th Toby - Monday, August 10, 2026!!

04/29/2025

When Ruth Reichl, 77, the former food critic at both the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, launched her career, it was unheard of for a newspaper to run a food article without a recipe. “In the ‘50s, food wasn’t considered interesting,” she said.
https://bit.ly/3Si5Wot

When Ruth Reichl, 77, the former food critic at both the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, launched her career, it was unheard of for a newspaper to run

04/14/2025

For Rose McGee it started with a sweet potato pie, the African American sacred dessert, which she and volunteer bakers delivered to the victims of racial violence.

All the baking is done out of her restaurant, and she extends her community activism to the kitchen as well as the dining room. Groups that have enjoyed baking in her kitchen include teen parents and individuals who are returning to society after being incarcerated. Her restaurant and catering business has become a way to tie together all her artistic energy.
https://bit.ly/42unUKm

For Rose McGee it started with a sweet potato pie, the African American sacred dessert, which she and volunteer bakers delivered to the victims of racial violence.

04/13/2025

During the recent Minnesota Chef Dinner at Chloe by Vincent, Joe Kotnik of Root Stock, who was doing the wine pairings that evening, praised the wine that accompanied the first course, a Tartare of Beef Wagyu, for both its taste and its label.
https://bit.ly/4j30ilU

During the recent Minnesota Chef Dinner at Chloe by Vincent, Joe Kotnik of Root Stock, who was doing the wine pairings that evening, praised the wine that accompanied the first

04/12/2025

To bring more people to struggling downtown St. Paul and help maintain the current restaurant community, the 2025 Minnesota Legislature is considering an idea to grant special district status to areas of downtown St. Paul. If not approved at this session, all Minnesota local governments that issue on-sale liquor license may have to wait until 2026 for a broader approach.
https://bit.ly/3XWq2YN

To bring more people to struggling downtown St. Paul and help maintain the current restaurant community, the 2025 Minnesota Legislature is considering an idea to grant special district status to

04/11/2025

We’re always on the lookout for interesting ideas for restaurateurs. Sometimes the surprises are as subtle as two tiny rice krispy squares served with the bill and a catering flier, and other times it’s cannoli masquerading as ci**rs at a D’Amico Hospitality catering event. Diners are paying more for their meals and so any little touches that delight help soften the blow when the check arrives.
https://bit.ly/42hP6ei

We’re always on the lookout for interesting ideas for restaurateurs. Sometimes the surprises are as subtle as two tiny rice krispy squares served with the bill and a catering flier,

04/10/2025

Jester Concepts is on track to open its newest Rustica Bakery & Cafe in the former Wuollet Bakery space in Wayzata.

“When Wuollet Bakery and Penny’s Coffee closed, it left a noticeable gap in the community,” Brent Frederick, owner of Jester Concepts, said in a release. “We feel there’s a strong demand for Rustica’s offerings and we’re excited to provide a new gathering space for the neighborhood.”
https://bit.ly/3E2kFk9

Jester Concepts is on track to open its newest Rustica Bakery & Cafe in the former Wuollet Bakery space in Wayzata.

04/09/2025

The 2025 Minnesota legislative session has been dominated by political infighting in the House, and apprehension over looming structural deficit in the state’s future budgets. Attention is focused on the budget forecast released March 6 and what that means for ongoing budget negotiations.
https://bit.ly/4jg8JKr

The 2025 Minnesota legislative session has been dominated by political infighting in the House, and apprehension over looming structural deficit in the state’s future budgets. Attention is focused on the

04/07/2025

The Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant in the Wisconsin Dells is getting villas as a next door neighbor, making it more likely to become a destination restaurant. The Villas will open in tandem with the Dawn Manor Restaurant, managed by Morrissey Hospitality. The historic, period-themed destination will feature a restaurant, bar, speakeasy and gift shop.
https://bit.ly/4jbDksG

The Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant in the Wisconsin Dells is getting villas as a next door neighbor, making it more likely to become a destination restaurant. The Villas will

09/13/2024

Mark your calendars now and get your tickets for a special celebration. Sue Zelickson is being feted for her 90th birthday Monday, Sept. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Ballroom and Clubroom in Minneapolis.

The birthday party is the brainchild of Wayne Kostroski, founder of the Taste of NFL and other high-profile events to raise funds for hunger-related projects. He’s joined by J. Marie Fieger, Molly Mulvehill Steinke, Scott Mayer (who co-founded the Charlie Awards with Sue), Sylvia Kaplan, Pat Weber, Jennifer Alexander and Barry Zelickson, among other volunteers. There’s never a shortage of volunteers when it concerns Sue.

The party is free, but the organizers are encouraging people to RSVP through Event Brite. There’s an option to donate to the Sue Zelickson Scholarship Fund, which supports the Hospitality of MN Scholarship Fund, which helps students with a special focus on women.