Brooklyn Park Studies How to Recruit, Retain Good Restaurants
City staff have been studying how to recruit and retain good restaurants. Brooklyn Park has more than 100 restaurants and they are also investigating how to better accommodate food trucks.
In March of this year, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) indicated restaurant recruitment and retention as a top priority. At a recent EDA meeting, commissioners learned about what efforts staff have been working on in regards to restaurants. Staff have outlined how to recruit new restaurants, marketing strategies for existing restaurants and financial and technical assistance programs offered to new and existing restaurants.
Another option discussed included how to encourage more food truck opportunities.
“Whether we pilot it this season or look to the future at what food trucks and and should do in Brooklyn Park so we become more food truck friendly as a whole,” says Lisa Jacobson, city council member representing the East district.
The city recently had an event to listen to concerns and suggestions on how to become more food truck friendly.
Staff also indicated that restaurants in Brooklyn Park tend to follow national trends. For example, national chains like Applebees have closed, while quick-casual restaurants like Panera or Chipotle have expanded.
