A Culinary Renaissance on Lake Street
In the vibrant, bustling heart of South Minneapolis, a landmark of cultural and culinary diversity is turning a new page. The Midtown Global Market, a sprawling bazaar housed in the historic former Sears, Roebuck and Co. building on Lake Street, is reaffirming its status as a premier destination for global cuisine with the exciting arrival of two new food vendors. Soul to Soul Smokehouse and Moroccan Flavors are set to join the market’s eclectic family, bringing with them not just tantalizing new dishes, but powerful stories of family, heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit. This dual debut is more than a simple expansion; it’s a potent symbol of resilience, growth, and the enduring power of food to connect communities, especially in a corridor that has faced and overcome immense challenges in recent years.
For regulars and newcomers alike, the Midtown Global Market has always been a sensory explosion—a place where the aromas of Vietnamese pho, Somali sambusas, and Mexican tamales mingle in the air. The addition of authentic, slow-smoked American barbecue and the rich, aromatic spices of Moroccan tagine promises to enrich this tapestry of taste even further. These are not just businesses filling vacant stalls; they are the culinary dreams of local families realized, offering Minneapolis a chance to travel the world one plate at a time, from the heartland of the American South to the vibrant souks of North Africa, all without leaving the 55407 zip code.
The Enduring Heartbeat of Minneapolis: The Role of Midtown Global Market
To fully appreciate the significance of these new openings, one must understand the unique role the Midtown Global Market plays in the life of the city. It is not merely a food hall or a collection of shops; it is a meticulously curated ecosystem designed to foster community, celebrate diversity, and provide a launchpad for small, often immigrant and minority-owned, businesses.
More Than a Market: A Historic Hub for Community and Commerce
Opened in 2006, the market occupies a cavernous space on the ground floor of the Midtown Exchange, a building with a storied past. For decades, it was a major retail and distribution center for Sears, a symbol of American commerce. After sitting vacant for years, its redevelopment into a mixed-use complex of housing and commerce, anchored by the market, was a landmark urban renewal project. The market’s mission was clear from the start: to create an international experience that reflects the rich diversity of the surrounding Phillips and Powderhorn neighborhoods.
Operated by a partnership of two non-profits, the Neighborhood Development Center and the Cultural Wellness Center, the market serves as a crucial small business incubator. It provides entrepreneurs with a lower-risk entry point into the notoriously difficult food and retail industry. With shared infrastructure, built-in foot traffic, and a supportive management structure, vendors can test concepts, build a following, and grow their operations in a collaborative environment. It’s a place where the American dream, seasoned with spices from around the globe, is a daily reality.
A Beacon of Resilience in a Time of Adversity
The location of the Midtown Global Market on Lake Street places it at the epicenter of Minneapolis’s recent history. The corridor has been a focal point of both immense pain and incredible strength. The economic devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit small, independent businesses particularly hard, was compounded by the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd just a few miles away. Lake Street saw significant damage, and the community was left grappling with trauma and uncertainty.
In this context, the survival and now the expansion of the Midtown Global Market is a powerful testament to the community’s resolve. The decision of new entrepreneurs like the families behind Soul to Soul Smokehouse and Moroccan Flavors to invest their future in this specific location sends a clear message: Lake Street is rebuilding, and its spirit is unbreakable. Each new ribbon-cutting, each new aroma wafting from a kitchen, is an act of defiance against despair and a vote of confidence in a shared future.
Smoked, Savored, and Served with Soul: The Arrival of Soul to Soul Smokehouse
One of the most anticipated additions is Soul to Soul Smokehouse, a venture that promises to bring the deep, complex flavors of authentic barbecue to the market’s diverse portfolio. This is not just about grilling meat; it’s about a time-honored tradition rooted in family, community, and the slow, patient art of smoking.
The Simmons Brothers: A Legacy of Flavor and Family
At the heart of Soul to Soul are two brothers, Anthony and Larry Simmons. For them, barbecue is more than a business—it’s a birthright. Their passion for the craft was ignited by their father, a man who instilled in them the secrets of the smoker and the importance of quality ingredients. This is a story that begins not in a commercial kitchen, but in a backyard, with family gatherings centered around the ritual of slow-cooked meat and treasured side dishes passed down through generations.
Their journey from passionate hobbyists to professional pitmasters is a classic tale of entrepreneurial grit. After honing their skills and recipes over years of catering and pop-up events, the Simmons brothers sought a permanent home where they could share their culinary heritage with a wider audience. The community-centric, high-traffic environment of the Midtown Global Market proved to be the perfect fit. Their presence marks a significant moment, bringing a distinctly American-born culinary tradition into a space celebrated for its international flair.
Defining ‘Soul Food Barbecue’: A Fusion of Tradition and Taste
The term “soul food barbecue” evokes a specific and deeply satisfying experience. It’s a culinary tradition born from the African American experience in the Southern United States. The “barbecue” component speaks to the meticulous process of smoking meats—often tougher cuts like brisket and pork shoulder—over low, indirect heat for many hours until they are rendered incredibly tender and infused with smoky flavor. The specific woods used, the secret spice rubs, and the signature sauces are all part of a pitmaster’s unique identity.
The “soul food” aspect refers to the accompaniments, the dishes that transform a plate of meat into a complete, comforting meal. These are the recipes that speak of home and history: creamy, baked macaroni and cheese with a golden-brown crust; tender, savory collard greens simmered with smoked turkey; sweet, moist cornbread; and rich, flavorful baked beans. Soul to Soul Smokehouse aims to deliver this complete, authentic experience, where every element on the plate is crafted with care and intention.
A Look at the Menu: What to Expect
While the full menu is eagerly awaited, visitors can anticipate a roster of barbecue classics executed with precision and passion. The centerpiece will undoubtedly be the smoked meats. Expect fall-off-the-bone ribs, glistening with a tangy, sweet glaze; succulent, expertly sliced brisket with a peppery bark and a visible smoke ring—the hallmark of a true pitmaster; and juicy pulled pork, perfect for piling high on a soft bun.
The supporting cast of side dishes will be just as crucial. The Simmons brothers are expected to offer their renowned mac and cheese, a dish that often defines a soul food establishment, alongside other staples like potato salad, coleslaw, and collard greens. For the full experience, diners will likely find combo plates that allow them to sample a variety of meats and sides, offering a true taste of the Soul to Soul philosophy.
A Journey to North Africa: Introducing the Authentic Taste of Moroccan Flavors
Traveling from the American South to the Maghreb, the market’s other new vendor, Moroccan Flavors, will transport diners to the bustling markets and fragrant kitchens of Morocco. This addition fills a distinct niche, introducing a cuisine known for its complex spice blends, subtle sweetness, and comforting, slow-cooked dishes.
The Ziadi Family’s Culinary Dream Takes Root
Moroccan Flavors is the passion project of Hassan and Raja Ziadi. Their story is one of carrying a culture across continents and sharing it through the universal language of food. For years, the Ziadis have been a beloved fixture at Twin Cities farmers’ markets, including the Mill City Farmers Market, where they built a loyal following for their authentic and lovingly prepared dishes. Customers would line up for their vibrant salads, savory pastries, and, most notably, the aromatic steam rising from their bubbling tagines.
The move into a permanent space at the Midtown Global Market represents a major milestone for their family and their business. It allows them to expand their menu, operate year-round, and establish a consistent presence where people can always find a taste of their homeland. Their journey from a seasonal market stall to a flagship location within a celebrated food hub is an inspiring example of the immigrant entrepreneurship that is so vital to the fabric of Minneapolis.
An Introduction to the Rich Tapestry of Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan cooking is a sophisticated blend of Arab, Berber, Andalusian, and Mediterranean influences, with a touch of French and sub-Saharan flavors. It is renowned for its delicate balance of sweet and savory elements, often using fruits like apricots, dates, and preserved lemons in savory dishes. The heart of many Moroccan dishes is the spice blend. A classic is ras el hanout, a complex mix that can contain dozens of spices, including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, and cardamom.
The signature cooking vessel is the tagine, a conical-lidded earthenware pot that traps steam and circulates moisture, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful stews. Another cornerstone is couscous, fine semolina grains that are steamed to fluffy perfection and served as a bed for stewed meats and vegetables. Moroccan Flavors will offer Minneapolis an authentic window into this rich and ancient culinary world.
From Tagine to Couscous: A Culinary Passport
At Moroccan Flavors, patrons can expect to find the dishes that have already made the Ziadis famous. The star of the show will be their tagines, slow-simmered stews featuring tender chicken, lamb, or vegetables bathed in aromatic sauces. A classic chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives offers a bright, tangy, and savory experience, while a lamb tagine with apricots and almonds showcases the cuisine’s masterful use of sweet and savory notes.
Beyond tagines, the menu will likely include a variety of other Moroccan staples. Look for hearty couscous dishes, refreshing and vibrant salads made with fresh herbs and vegetables, and perhaps savory pastries like briouat (flaky, filled triangles). The Ziadis’ commitment to authentic recipes and fresh ingredients ensures that each dish will be a genuine representation of Moroccan hospitality and flavor.
The Bigger Picture: Why These New Additions Matter
The arrival of Soul to Soul Smokehouse and Moroccan Flavors at the Midtown Global Market is a story with implications that extend far beyond the market’s walls. It speaks to larger trends in entrepreneurship, cultural expression, and urban renewal in Minneapolis.
Fueling the Engine of Local Entrepreneurship
The incubator model of the Midtown Global Market is more important than ever. In an economic climate where starting a brick-and-mortar restaurant can be prohibitively expensive, the market provides a vital stepping stone. By lowering the barriers to entry, it empowers talented chefs and aspiring business owners from diverse backgrounds to test their concepts and build sustainable businesses. The success of the Simmons and Ziadi families will inspire others, reinforcing the market’s role as a critical engine for grassroots economic development and wealth creation within the community.
Weaving New Threads into the City’s Cultural Fabric
A city’s food scene is a reflection of its identity. The addition of these two specific cuisines significantly enriches the culinary landscape of Minneapolis. Soul to Soul Smokehouse celebrates a vital and often underrepresented pillar of American culinary history, while Moroccan Flavors introduces residents to a global cuisine that may be new to many. Their presence fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, allowing patrons to learn about different traditions through the accessible and enjoyable medium of food. It reinforces the “Global” in the market’s name, making it an even more comprehensive reflection of the world’s cultures.
A Glimpse into the Future of Minneapolis’s Food Scene
These openings signal a positive and dynamic future for food in the Twin Cities. They represent a move towards more authentic, story-driven dining experiences where consumers are not just buying a meal, but are connecting with the people and cultures behind the food. As the Midtown Global Market continues to thrive and evolve, it sets a standard for how a city can celebrate its diversity, support its entrepreneurs, and create vibrant public spaces that serve as true community anchors.
A Renewed Invitation to Taste the World
The dual arrival of Soul to Soul Smokehouse and Moroccan Flavors is a moment of celebration for the Midtown Global Market and the city of Minneapolis. It is a story of two families, two distinct culinary traditions, and one shared dream of building a future through food. Their investment in the Lake Street community is a powerful affirmation of hope and a delicious promise of things to come.
As the smokers are fired up and the tagines begin to simmer, the market extends a renewed invitation to all: come, explore, and taste the world. Come and support the entrepreneurs who are the lifeblood of our city. Come and experience the resilience of a community that, time and again, chooses to rebuild, reconnect, and celebrate together, one plate at a time.
