Overcoming Obstacles, Mill Valley Market Finally Opens
Mill Valley Market knows all about overcoming obstacles. After a couple delays, the Golden Valley restaurant located at the Wirth Park Trailhead is finally ready for business.
“It was extremely challenging,” said Mike Rakum, owner of Mill Valley Market. “This was our third time trying to open. We tried to do it right before COVID hit and then we tried to do it right before George Floyd.”
Because of the pandemic and the George Floyd tragedy, Mill Valley Market took a low-key approach to opening up.
“We didn’t want to be obtuse or kind of tone-deaf,” Rakum said, “because there were much more important things happening in the world, in our city for that matter.”
Mill Valley Market Attracts Active Crowd
Rakum believes Mill Valley Market will be a welcome addition to Theodore Wirth Regional Park.
“I think the timing’s perfect,” Rakum said. “I think it’s exactly what the community needs to kind of get their mind off of being cooped up in the house the past three months or four months.”
With biking, jogging and – in the winter – skiing just a few feet away, the new fast casual healthy food concept expects to be a go-to spot for active people.
“My experience has been nothing short of amazing,” said Joel Eshelman of Golden Valley.
“I’d say it’s kind of like NorCal inspired,” Rakum said. “We’ve got a little bit of a lighter touch with the food. Kind of plays to the healthy, active lifestyle. We also have some more indulgent things for people burning calories all day on the trail.”
Mill Valley Market located at Wirth Park Trailhead
Mill Valley Market serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is replacing Cajun Twist, which moved to a larger location in Minneapolis.
“As a gym owner and a personal trainer recommending my clients to a place to go eat and knowing what’s going into the food is so important,” Eshelman said. “Plus the food tastes amazing. It’s the best of both worlds.”
