Brooklyn Center Forms Plan To Get Heritage Center Out of Debt
The Brooklyn Center City Council went ahead with a significant decision Monday night that will impact the future of the Heritage Center, the city’s historic convention and events complex.
The council, acting as the city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA), approved a new catering contract for the Heritage Center. The contract is a three-year deal with Mintahoe Catering & Events, the largest family-owned and operated caterer in Twin Cities.
Catering and events drive business at the venue. However, the city-owned and managed property continues to operate with deficits.
At the meeting Monday night, city staff presented a plan to eventually get the Heritage Center in the black.
Last year showed the historic venue operated with a $518,000 deficit, despite bringing in more than 65,000 visitors. While the deficit is significant, it’s down from a $1.3 million deficit in 2020, city figures showed.
Projections would lower those loses to $82,000 by 2027.
According to city officials, Heritage Center is the one largest employers in Brooklyn Center. The venue booked 215 events in 2024 and is on pace to exceed that this year.
“The venue contributes to Brooklyn Center’s identity,” said Tami Buetow-Staples, director of sales for the Heritage Center.
Angela Holm, Brooklyn Center’s finance director, said the city-owned venue is adjusting marketing strategies and doing a combination of fee increases and expense reductions.
“We want to be much more aggressive if we can,” said Holm.
Under the deal, Mintahoe would get 72 percent of the annual food and beverage revenue. Historically, catering revenues have been below $3 million, officials said.
The contract approval came about after a lengthy EDA meeting on Feb. 10 that included discussion on whether the city should continue to operate the Heritage Center.
“The value of the Heritage Center goes beyond a simple profit and loss statement,” said Jerzak on Monday. “We have individuals, we have employees, we have dedicated employees. I get all of that. I really do. I believe it’s imperative for this council to define what our expectations are of the Heritage Center and the other enterprise funds.”
