Family-Owned Grackle Restaurant Set to Open in Maple Grove
In the “Restaurant Capital of Minnesota,” there’s no shortage of places to eat.
But now, there’s a new option, after Grackle swooped into one of Maple Grove’s most prominent locations.
“We have not looked at the menu, but I mean, so far I would eat everything here,” said Ashley Hauf, a customer from Minneapolis.
Grackle, which officially opens on Oct 18, is owned by Becky Ahlstrom and her husband, Justin.
“This spot was an incredible location, and we have been vying for it for a long time,” said Becky Ahlstrom. “So as soon as it became available, we threw our name in the hat.”
The Ahlstroms acquired the space in June, got their liquor license in August, and worked feverishly for two months to get the space ready.
This new spot bears little resemblance to its predecessor, Wahlburgers.
“You know, the bar is in the same spot, the kitchen’s in the same spot, but pretty much everything else is gonna be a different feel,” said Ahlstrom. “So we’ve worked pretty quick to make that all come together.”
The new owners of Grackle remodeled the interior. The restaurant is located on the NE corner of Hemlock Lane and Elm Creek Blvd in Maple Grove.
Grackle’s origin
Grackle — which was named after the Grackle Days festival in Winthrop where the owners have family ties — bills itself as a family-owned scratch kitchen and craft cocktail bar, selling upscale American cuisine.
“It’s going to taste the best here,” said Ahlstrom, when asked what sets Grackle apart from the competition. “You know, we’re really working hard to make sure this is something that’s handmade with love, right here in our kitchen.”
Customers who were present for the soft-opening say they appreciate the fact that Grackle is a locally-owned restaurant, rather than another chain.
“Absolutely. We always seek out local restaurants,” said Hauf, the customer from Minneapolis. “We want to be able to support the local craft beer community. We both work in the beer industry. So, it’s a lot of fun to come support people that work so hard.”
Grackle has more than a hundred people on staff, and their goal is to provide customers with an experience that’ll keep them coming back for more.
“You know, it’s a small family that’s running it, and who better to support,” said Hauf.
Meanwhile, this is the second restaurant for owners Becky and Justin Ahlstrom. The couple also owns Margie’s Kitchen & Cocktails in Andover.
Grackle’s tostada salad consists of two crispy tostadas on a bed of black bean puree, layered with shredded mixed greens, roasted corn & jalapeño relish, tomatoes, avocado slices, Calabrian pepper aioli, cotija cheese & tomatillo cream sauce.
