05-01-06
Andy’s Garage Minneapolis

Fill ‘er up at Andy’s New Cafe

It’s always fun to learn about success stories. New lights coming on in old neighborhoods. Such is the case with the old Sears building on Lake Street between Tenth Avenue and Elliot Avenue. The building is re-opening in mid-May of 2006 as the newly renovated Midtown Exchange Building. And a major part of the building’s revival is the Midtown Global Market where Andy’s Garage is opening their second restaurant.

When I interviewed owner DJ Traudt, it was the end of April and the details were still to be hammered out. But essentially, the new Andy’s Garage will be a miniaturized version of their highly successful store on University in St. Paul. While for now, they won’t have their famous open-face sandwiches at the new restaurant, they will have all the other salads, sandwiches, melts and burgers people love at the original Andy’s.

Because of the location and likelihood of a high lunch crowd, the emphasis will be on fast service and creating meals that people can enjoy when they have a limited amount of time. Prices will remain in the $5 to $6 dollar range for everything on the grill. They will also have the Wraps and Deli Sandwiches that are a popular lunch item at the original Andy’s, also in the $5 to $6 dollar range.

The décor, of course, will be pure Andy’s. There will be the open kitchen with the steel shed roof and a smaller counter with a few seats. And all the other posters, toys and service station paraphernalia will be scattered about the restaurant.

Another interesting tidbit I found out from DJ, is that his family has bought a condo in the Midtown Exchange Building and will be moving in as soon as they sell their house in St. Paul. Moving from a house to a condo and St. Paul to Minneapolis will be quite a new experience for them. Originally from Nebraska, seven years ago they sold the family farm and used the proceeds to buy and renovate the corner gas station on University, hoping to create a family and neighborhood gathering place like the diners they used to hang out in when they were growing up. One of the reasons they got involved with the Midtown Global Market is that they hope to help create the same neighborhood gathering place for this neighborhood in Minneapolis.

Andy’s Garage will be open 10am to 8pm, seven days a week. The restaurant’s official opening is May 16th. It should be a lot of fun so come out and welcome them to the neighborhood!

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Story by Bob McClain

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