Marna’s Eatery Consolidating in Robbinsdale, New Neighbors To Move In

Marna’s Eatery in downtown Robbinsdale has been through many changes. Its latest is downsizing the business with a new cannabis shop now planning to move into its previous storefront next door. 

The Latin and Costa Rican-influenced restaurant first opened in 2018 in one storefront on West Broadway and eventually expanded into the space next door. The business has adapted to a variety of challenges over the years — with creative solutions like bike delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic or its Love Meals program for staff in need during Operation Metro Surge.

Now, it’s going back to its original space as another tenant prepares to move in next door.

“We’re the only Costa Rican restaurant in Minneapolis. Google something, we’re the only ones who come up,” said owner Rolando Diaz, highlighting the novelty of his restuarant. “I’ve been working on this transition probably about seven weeks.”

The transition included redecorating the “lounge” side of the restaurant, shifting furniture, building an all-new bar and renewing focus on its patio. Visitors can now enter through the patio door, rather than the front.

The small restaurant felt the impact of Operation Metro Surge, but Diaz said he saw a boost in community support when his business asked for it. Now, he hopes the community keeps coming through.

“It’s still very difficult, you know?” Diaz said. “We did get a lot of help, so obviously that did help us for a couple of months. We are still going to need people to come and visit us on a regular basis.”

Diaz said Marna’s is holding a farewell party for their time in the old space on May 2. 

The new bar at Marna’s Eatery in Robbinsdale. Diaz said this look has a tiki bar theme.

New Neighbors

As Marna’s downsizes and focuses on its new model, its new neighbor prepares to move into the other part of the building. Robbinsdale approved a cannabis shop for that location. A representative for the business told the council that it would be clean and quiet, and would expect between 100 and 200 customers per day. 

“Hopefully we benefit from some of that traffic that comes as well,” Diaz said.

On the city side, Mayor Brad Sutton said these changes are exciting for downtown Robbinsdale and increased variety is great for the community.

“It keeps your dollars in Robbinsdale and helps support local businesses,” Sutton said.

It also creates more jobs, particularly for people who are local. Sutton sees that as a bonus.

As downtown grows and develops, the council has some plans to bring people to those businesses. He said they’re working on plans for the winter months, particularly around Small Business Saturday to decorate downtown and potentially bring the tree lighting ceremony closer.

“There are a couple things that we’re working out right now to really spice up downtown Robbinsdale for the holidays,” Sutton said.

As those unfold, Sutton said he’s grateful for businesses like Marna’s that are still in the neighborhood.

“It’s good they stick around because it’s good for the community– good for the soul, if you will,” Sutton said.

The new shop will be located at 4154 West Broadway Avenue, next door to Marna’s Eatery. City staff said this applicant is the second of only two retail cannabis licenses currently allowed under the city’s zoning quota.

Robbinsdale

Business Matters