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New — and new-ish — rental properties in St. Paul will no longer be subject to the city’s 3% cap on yearly rent increases.

The St. Paul City Council, at the behest of Mayor Melvin Carter, voted 4-3 Wednesday to permanently exempt new construction and rentals built after 2004 from the rent control ordinance, which voters approved by ballot measure in 2021.

While increased interest rates and slower growth in rents reduced homebuilding across the country in recent years, local developers have pointed the finger at St. Paul’s rent control ordinance as a major factor in their reluctance to build in the city.

Since the council first implemented the ordinance in 2022, construction has dropped off a cliff in the city; In 2024, 80% fewer housing units were built in St. Paul compared to the previous three-year average, according to a MinnPost analysis. (In Minneapolis, voters gave the city council power to enact rent control in 2021, but the council has not passed a rent control ordinance. Minneapolis had an even steeper falloff in construction in 2024 than St. Paul.)

St. Paul’s rollback of the ordinance is a bad sign for rent control advocates in Minneapolis, who have pushed the council to implement rent stabilization in recent years.

Prior to Wednesday’s vote, the St. Paul City Council weakened the rent control ordinance in other ways: In 2022, the council permanently exempted affordable housing developments; gave new construction a 20-year exemption, and instituted “vacancy decontrol,” which allows landlords to raise rents by more than 3% when a tenant moves out.

Landlords could also request permission from the city to raise rents by more than 3% if their expenses rose significantly; St. Paul approved the vast majority of those requests.

Minnesota is one of the only Midwestern states without a statewide ban on local rent control ordinances.

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Galley food hall, Apostle Supper Club and Burning Brothers Brewing are shuttering; Chip’s Clubhouse has already closed.

The Minnesota Star Tribune

Within hours, word came that a Minneapolis food hall known for launching one of the area’s most popular pizza shops and the state’s only gluten-free brewery were closing — both on May 10.

The North Loop Galley food hall, in the Nordic building at 729 Washington Av. N., is the current home of Wrecktangle Pizza, Ono Hawaiian Plates, Ramen Kawae and Good Boy.

“While often the want is something juicy or salacious, there isn’t in this instance,” Galley Group CEO Chad Ellingboe wrote in an email to the Star Tribune. “All we can say is cheers to the five years we had, and we look forward to watching the continued success of the North Loop.”

Galley Group owns two other food halls, in Newport, Ky., and Pittsburgh. Ellingboe declined to comment on the state of those Galley locations.

The Minneapolis food hall opened in 2019, just before the pandemic, when “things took a turn for the worst,” said Ellingboe. “However, with a strong team in place, vendors who were willing to push through and guests who were eager to support, we were able to stick it out and stay the course.”

For original vendor Wrecktangle, which launched its Detroit-style pizza concept here, the Galley’s support during COVID helped it grow into a multi-location brand.

“It meant everything,” said Wrecktangle co-owner Jeff Rogers. “We most likely wouldn’t be in the place that we are now without it. To have a super-flexible spot in the North Loop?”

“Pretty unheard of,” said co-owner Breanna Evans.

Soul Fu, serving Southeast Asian cuisine, and Thigh Times Birdhouse, a chicken spot, joined Wrecktangle and Ono Hawaiian Plates in the initial lineup.

Ellingboe called the Galley “a great starting point” for Wrecktangle and Ono Hawaiian Plates. Ono is the in-store restaurant at United Noodles in Minneapolis. Wrecktangle now operates food hall stands at the Market at Malcolm Yards and Graze, plus a standalone restaurant on Lyndale Avenue and W. Lake Street in Minneapolis and one in conjunction with First Avenue in St. Paul that’s currently on hiatus. A Duluth restaurant is forthcoming.

But with its only location in the Galley, Ramen Kawae has nowhere else to serve its Japanese-style ramen and snacks, said Tuan Hoang, the chef behind the three-year-old food hall stand.

“This is the only one, so basically we just have to close,” Hoang said. “After three years, there were returning customers who come a lot and eat here. I made a relationship with all of them and it’s nice to have them like friends, not just customers. So it’s kind of sad.”

Tiki place near Xcel at ‘breaking point’

Apostle Supper Club, the sprawling Palm Springs-inspired restaurant across from the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, is calling it quits. In a Facebook post, owner Brian Ingram announced the closure.

“We put our heart, soul and everything we had into creating a space that offered warmth, community and an unforgettable experience,” Ingram’s initial post reads. “We built something beautiful. And despite our fight to preserve it over the last three years, we’ve reached a breaking point.”

Sarah and Brian Ingram opened Apostle in October 2022 with a menu of retro cocktails and hearty and modern supper club fare under their Purpose Restaurants, which is also behind the Gnome Craft Pub in St. Paul, Salt and Flour in Minneapolis and Hope Breakfast Bars.

In a follow-up post, Ingram thanked staff and customers and said they did not make the decision lightly. Office and small business vacancies as well as public safety concerns are among the factors, according to Ingram. “Right now, downtown St. Paul is simply not a viable place for small, independent restaurants to thrive,” the post states.

Apostle will run through the end of May before closing its doors.

Chip’s closing ‘a difficult decision’

Chip’s Clubhouse, the Mac-Groveland neighborhood spot in St. Paul serving modern-spun Midwestern comforts and an ambitious bar program, has turned off the lights.

“Sadly, we’ve made the difficult decision to permanently close our doors. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible support over the years,” a sign on the door states. “We will cherish the memories made within these walls.”

The restaurant has been under new ownership since November. Owner Nik Donaker confirmed the last day for Chip’s was Wednesday. “It was a financial choice,” he said, wishing not to elaborate further.

Pastry chef Tara Coleman and chef Gina Mangiameli originally opened Chip’s in early 2021 on Snelling Avenue just south of St. Clair Avenue and quickly gained a reputation for their refreshing take on Midwestern comfort food. Dishes such as the burger, schnitzel-style pork tenderloin and fried chicken sandwich were winning hearts, as was Tim Leary’s cocktails and mocktails — all served against an approachable neighborhood backdrop.

“It was a quiet handover,” Coleman said of the ownership change a few months ago as Mangiameli, currently the head of Surdyk’s prep kitchen, and Coleman concentrate on their other food ventures.

Meanwhile, Coleman continues to run Hot Hands Pie & Biscuit in the same building with coffee, pastries and egg biscuit sandwiches and hashes for dine-in as well as a take-and-bake and catering operation.

St. Paul brewery was a trailblazer

Burning Brothers, the state’s first and only gluten-free brewery, announced on social media Wednesday that it will close after 11 years.

“We have come to the incredibly heart-wrenching conclusion that we unfortunately cannot continue operations,” owners Dane Breimhorst and Thom Foss posted on the brewery’s Instagram page, citing “numerous, complex and varied” factors as reasons for closure. The taproom’s last day is May 10.

The owners recently told the Star Tribune that tariffs were a cause for concern. The current structure imposes a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports and an additional 25% across-the-board tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, where much of the aluminum used in the United States is sourced. This promises to greatly increase the cost of cans.

“I would be lying if I said we aren’t concerned,” Foss said. “A good chunk of our income is canned beer. If you’re going to increase cost by 25% or more, yeah, that’s going to hurt a lot.”

Longtime friends, Breimhorst and Foss released their first beer, Pyro American Pale Ale, in March 2014, and opened their St. Paul taproom a month later. Previous plans to open a brewery were put on hold after Breimhorst was diagnosed with celiac disease, but they forged ahead with a dedicated gluten-free facility after seeing a growing demand for it – and a dearth of quality in gluten-free beers.

The brewery, named as a nod to the owners’ days as fire-eating partners, is at 1750 W. Thomas Av., St. Paul, burnbrosbrew.com.

International Market Square Art Crawl

Between 16 showrooms and over 20 local artists and creators, the International Market Square Art Crawl and Open House brings art and resources together this spring. Connect with IMS resources, local artisans, and enjoy live music. May 8, International Market Square, 275 Market St., Mpls., imsartcrawl.com

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair is back for its second year. The fair will be held on Mother’s Day weekend, featuring a botanical market, 160 artist booths, and food. May 10-11, Minnesota Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls., homespunevents.com

Art-A-Whirl

The vibrant art scene of the Twin Cities comes alive at Art-A-Whirl, the largest open studio tour in the U.S., where hundreds of artists showcase their work in Northeast Minneapolis. For its 30th anniversary, enjoy a weekend of live music, explore galleries and studios, engage with local artists, and most importantly: Buy art. Northeast Minneapolis, May 16-18, nemaa.org

Edina Art Fair

For some, this local-fave event is the true marker that summer has arrived. Celebrate in style by shopping local artists and vintage sellers, checking out food vendors and the beer garden, listening to music, and a kid's zone. June 6-8, 50th & France, 50thandfrance.com

St. Anthony Park Art Festival

Connect with community at this annual one-day outdoor celebration in St. Paul’s St. Anthony Park neighborhood. With artists, musicians, art, a beer garden, and more, there’s never ending fun. June 7, Como and Carter Aves., St. Paul, sapfest.org

Stone Arch Bridge Festival

Even though the Stone Arch Bridge may be closed, the festival goes on. Find more than 200 artists and culinary artists along with a variety of food vendors. Enjoy the view by the river, listen to live music, and enjoy the festivities. June 14-15, W. River Pkwy., from 11th Ave. S. to 4th Ave. N., Mpls., stonearchbridgefestival.com

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Wayzata Art Experience

Spending a day on the lakeside? Hop on over to the Wayzata Art Experience for two days of food, art, music, and family fun. Kids can enjoy the activity zone while adults can shop for find art and enjoy food trucks and the food artisan market. June 20–22, E. Lake St., Wayzata, artexperience.wayzatachamber.com

Eagan Art Festival

Shop from over 80 local artists of all specialties at this two-day family-friendly event. Enjoy delicious foods from local food vendors, art demos, and mingle with your neighbors at Eagan’s annual fest. June 21–22, Eagan Central Park, 1501 Central Pkwy., eaganartfestival.org

Art at St. Kate’s

Stroll St. Kate’s campus this summer for its annual art fair featuring over 100 juried artists. Spend the day outside with shaded trees, listen to musicians, and try foods from a variety of food trucks. July 12, St. Catherine University, Randolph and Cleveland Aves., St. Paul, artistscircle.org

Minnehaha Falls Art Fair

Need an excuse to visit Minnehaha Falls? Spend a summer day perusing the vintage and funky fest and exploring food trucks at this Minnesota fave location. Visit booths from dozens of local artists, with all items under $30, enjoy live music, and kids can enjoy a variety of activities. July 19–21, Minnehaha Falls Park, Mpls., homespunevents.com

Arbor Lakes Art Fair

Shop fine art, ceramics, jewelry, photography, leather goods, fiber art, paintings, and more at Maple Grove’s art event of the season. With entertainment from local bands and a kid’s creative space including face paintings and crafts, there’s enough fun for the whole family. June 21–22, The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, maplegroveartscenter.org

Loring Park Art Festival

The Loring Park Art Festival has been bringing art and community together for 25 years, and this year promises over 150 visual artists selling original work, live music, and local food vendors. This family-friendly event also features kids activities and a culinary market. July 26–27, Loring Park, Mpls., loringparkartfestival.com

Powderhorn Art Fair

South Minneapolis’s annual event will include 100-plus artists across 20 mediums, immersive installations, food trucks, and more. August 2–3, Powderhorn Park, Mpls., powderhornartfair.com

SoMi Art Fair at Bachman's

Check out the work from about 250 talented artists at this event, from the producers of the beloved Uptown Art Fair, at Bachman’s on Lyndale. Enjoy live music, food trucks, botanical art demonstrations, and hands-on art activities. Many of the proceeds go back to the community, so look at some great art and support local artists. August 2–3, Bachman's on Lyndale, Mpls., uptownminneapolis.com

Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival

Check out all forms of street art at this unique art fair in downtown Minneapolis. Find spray art, murals, and chalk designs and enjoy performances, food vendors and more. This year they welcome back Jackalope Arts with over 100 local artists selling goods like original fashion, paper goods, jewelry design, home décor, photography and more. August 9–10, Nicollet Mall, Mpls., mplsstreetartfest.com

Art in the Gardens

Find handcrafted art pieces with the backdrop of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum with over 70 local vendors providing crafts, fine arts, culinary treats, and more. Meet the artist, eat, shop, and listen to live music at the Arb. August 15–17, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, arb.umn.edu

Mpls.St.Paul Daily Edit

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The Brief

The Smurfit WestRock recycling center in St. Paul is closing, permanently laying off about 189 employees in the city as part of a widespread staff and facility reduction.

The company describes itself as "a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging," according to its website.

St. Paul WestRock plan closing

Big picture view:

Smurfit Westrock shared a news release announcing it will permanently close its coated recycled board (CRB) mill located at 2250 Wabash Avenue in St. Paul.

Another mill in Forney, Texas, will also discontinue production, according to the news release.

The company adds it has "initiated consultations with local works councils in Germany" to permanently close two converting facilities there.

Smurfit Westrock said about 650 employees in the U.S. and Germany will be impacted by the closings.

These moves are expected to reduce the company's containerboard and CRB capacity by more than 500,000 tons, according to the news release.

What they're saying:

President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Smurfit Westrcik, Tony Smurfit, shared the following statement: "While closing facilities is never an easy decision, it is based on a realistic expectation of current and future capacity needs, operating costs and an unrelenting focus on improving our business. We are very grateful for the significant contributions made by the teams at these locations over the years, and we will do all we can to support them throughout this process."

Impacted employees will get local severance according to company policy, the works council and labor union agreements, according to the news release from Smurfit Westrock.

Local perspective:

The Minnesota Employment and Economic Development State Rapid Response Team shared a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter that said employees are expected to start being laid off on June 30, 2025, or within 14 days of that date.

The WARN letter adds that bumping rights will follow applicable collective bargaining agreements and there are no trade implications at this time.

Some of the workers, who include maintenance mechanics, engineers, electricians, chemical attendants and other roles, are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 110) the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 70) and the United Steelworker of America (USW Local 264), according to the WARN letter.

The Source: This story used information shared by Smurfit Westrock and a WARN letter shared by the Minnesota Employment and Economic Development State Rapid Response Team.

BusinessSt. PaulMinnesotaEconomyTariffs

Although it has only been in business for less than three years, it has become a well-known and popular supper club here in Minnesota. And now, this retro restaurant is closing its doors for good.

These days, sadly, it seems like you almost need a scorecard to keep up with the number of restaurants that have either recently closed or have said they're closing permanently here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

It was just earlier this year that the Dark Horse Bar & Eatery in St. Paul announced it was closing for good on Valentine's Day. Before that, diners in Woodbury and Lake Elmo were shocked when The Machine Shed, the longtime restaurant that had been open for over 20 years just off I-94, posted a sign on its doors saying it was now closed.

And these closings aren't just limited to restaurants, either. It was just a few weeks ago that news broke of another business that's not only closing its Minnesota location. Outdoor retailer The Sportsman's Guide announced back in early April that it was closing its warehouse and distribution facility in South St. Paul and moving out of state.

And another classic restaurant has suddenly announced it'll be closing for good soon, as well. That was the word from Brian Ingram, founder of Purpose Restaurants, which owns the Apostle Supper Club in St. Paul. He just posted word on his social platforms that the restaurant on Kellogg Boulevard near the Xcel Energy Center will be closing in just a few weeks:

Apostle Supper Club to Close: A Heartbreaking Decision in a City We Still Love Deeply - It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of Apostle Supper Club in downtown Saint Paul, effective June 1, 2025.

The post cites several reasons for the permanent shutdown, among them being what it calls St. Paul's 'downtown core in crisis', referencing the number of other businesses that have also recently closed in St. Paul, as well as what the post refers to as 'public safety issues' in Minnesota's capital city.

The post goes on to say that Purpose Restaurants will continue to operate its other establishments, which include Hope Breakfast Bar (with locations in St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Eagan, Edina, Woodbury and Minneapolis), along with Hope Express at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, The Gnome Craft Pub in St. Paul, and Salt and Flour in Minneapolis.

While they may seem to be more prevalent recently, business closings aren't a new phenomenon. Keep scrolling to check out 50 beloved retail chains that also closed their doors and aren't around anymore.

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