Brooklyn Park Upscale Restaurant Proposed for Northwind Plaza Site
A Brooklyn Park city-owned property could become home to an upscale restaurant.
However, city Economic Development Authority (EDA) documents show the project has some financial concerns.
The restaurant concept called Fidel’s Place is proposed for the southwest corner of Northwind Plaza where the new Small Business Center is located at the corner of Brooklyn Boulevard and West Broadway. A future light rail stop is also planned there.
The proposed 10,000-square-foot restaurant would be two stories with rooftop dining, documents show. Fidel Okojie, a longtime Brooklyn Park resident and entrepreneur, is behind the project.
“Fidel’s Place looks to revolutionize the local dining and entertainment scene and give the Brooklyns something truly exceptional and a unique experience to call their own,” read a project narrative submitted to the EDA.
The concept would be a a full-service “sophisticated but casual” restaurant and bar offering a blend of American, African and Asian cuisines.
“It will be a chef-inspired, scratch kitchen … and use local vendors and seasonal, locally grown produce when possible,” the narrative read.
The restaurant is proposed to seat approximately 200 guests.
Backers of the project believe it could provide the city “something truly exceptional” and address the city’s desire for more upscale dining options, according to city documents.
Sketch plan submitted to EDA for Fidel’s Place
Financial Considerations
The city would have to consider some financial incentives for the project to proceed. Okojie’s team is requesting to buy a portion of the Northwind Plaza, which the Brooklyn Park EDA owns, for $1. The EDA purchased the entire property in 2021 for $7.3 million.
City staff recommends a land price for the restaurant site closer to the market-rate amount, which is estimated anywhere between $250,000 and $500,000.
A scenario where the city could lease the property for the restaurant is another option. But city staff is not recommending that scenario due to high upfront costs and long-term financial risk for the city, read EDA documents.
The proposal is also seeking gap financing and city assistance with real estate transaction and development fees, which could add up to $20,000.
Okojie’s team has stressed the amount of tax revenue the project could bring the city, possibly $70,000 a year.
The proposal is only at the concept stage.
If it moves forward, the EDA would have to hold a public hearing for any potential land sale. A future EDA meeting on the project is expected.
