
We exist to develop and maintain a public market that builds upon the economic, social and cultural assets within the surrounding communities and welcomes the diverse peoples of this community to share and celebrate together the healthy foods, arts, crafts and other aspects of their heritages.
Midtown Global Market gives new and emerging entrepreneurs, many of them low income and recent immigrants, a prime location and support to build a business and a future – for themselves, their families, and their employees. At the same time, it is making the surrounding neighborhood safer and healthier. It’s win-win all the way. As their enterprises grow, new business owners employ others, serve as role models, and inspire other up and coming entrepreneurs. The commercial viability of this public market will give its tenants the foothold they need to build their businesses and economic future, and to put other people to work as well. Thus, the increased cost related to the market’s social mission will provide a return many times greater than the initial investment.
Midtown Global Market will:
Offer a broad selection of fresh prepared food products from around the world that showcases and appeals to the diverse communities of South Minneapolis.
Be comprised of locally-owned, independent businesses that represent the spirit of entrepreneurship present in our communities.
Provide a nurturing environment that facilitates small business growth and the creation of job opportunities.
Provide a true public market experience by encouraging customers to meet and develop relationships with the food producers, artisans, and business owners.
Feature tenants who provide high quality products and customer service and design their stores to attract a diverse clientele.
Provide a safe community gathering place that is welcoming and respectful to people of all cultures.
Offer healthy food alternatives that contribute to community wellness.
In the summer of 2003, the City of Minneapolis was searching for a use for the long vacant Sears building on Lake Street. Latino business owners and neighborhood groups from the Phillips, Central and Powderhorn Park neighborhoods helped convince City officials that the historic building should be saved and, ultimately, reflect the ethnic diversity of the neighborhood and the entrepreneurial energy of the businesses on Lake Street.
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) along with a group of Latino business owners interested in opening a large Latino grocery store in the building began to meet with the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) about ideas for the space. From these discussions the “global market” concept emerged. As the concept evolved, LEDC and NDC approached Ryan Companies about becoming a part of a mixed-use redevelopment plan it was preparing for the site.
In 2004, LEDC and NDC asked the African Development Center (ADC) and the Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center (PPCWC) to join the team. Together, these four non-profits formed the “MGM Development Team” and worked closely on every aspect of the project, from the vision and layout to individual leasing decisions, with NDC as lead developer. In late 2004, the City accepted Ryan’s bid to redevelop the building, and construction began on Midtown Global Market.
Midtown Global Market subsequently took shape through the extraordinary efforts of a wide range of people. Entrepreneurs, the City of Minneapolis, under visionary leadership from Mayor Rybak, countless donors, lenders and tax credit investors and Ryan Companies’ all that worked tirelessly to make the project a success. Midtown Global Market opened for business on May 15, 2006.
Today, business owners within the market meet continuously as the MGM Business Owners Association to participate in decisions about how the market operates. NDC manages the market under direction from the MGM Board and the Business Owners Association.
Martin Akinseye, Simba Craftware
Atum Azzahir, Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center (Co Chair)
Lorenzo Ariza, Latino Economic Development Center
Mike Goze, American Indian Community Development Corporation
Craig Hassel, University of Minnesota
Shirley Heyer, Midtown Phillips Neighborhood Association
Christopher Hughes, Allina Health
Enrique Garcia Salazar, Latino Economic Development Center
Trung Pham, Pham's Deli
Josh Resnik, Independent Consultant
Gordy Sprenger, Allina Health (Retired)
Mihailo Temali, Neighborhood Development Center (Co Chair)
Noya Woodrich, Minneapolis Council of Churches, Division of Indian Work
Advisor, Rebecca Parrell, City of Minneapolis
Midtown Global Market vendors have consistently received accolades and awards in local and national media outlets!
2012 Awards and Recognition
Salty Tart was awarded the 2012 Charlie Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef. The Charlie Awards recognizes the exceptional contributions of the Twin Cities metro area food and restaurant industry. Individuals and businesses are honored by their peers and recognized by the public and industry leaders.
2010 Awards and Recognition
"Best Place to Hang Out With the Kids" by City Pages-August 21, 2010 Best of Twin Cities
2010 Awards and Recognition
Michelle Gayer (Salty Tart) named "#1 of 52 People, Places and Plates that Make the Twin Cities a Tasty Place" in Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine
Michelle Gayer (Salty Tart) - James Beard Foundation "Best Pastry Chef" Award Finalist
2009 Awards and Recognition
"Best In-Store Dining Option"
- Bon Appetit Magazine, December 2009
"30 Things We Love About the Twin Cities: Midtown Global Market"
- Where Twin Cities, June 2009
"Best of the Twin Cities" City Pages, April 2009
- Best Bakery: Salty Tart
- Best Candy Store: Fiesta in America
- Best Mexican Restaurant: Taqueria Los Ocampo
- Best Middle Eastern Grocery: Holy Land Deli
- Best Taco: La Sirena Gorda
- Best Soul Food: West Indies Soul Food
- Best Take Out Options: Jakeeno's Trattoria, Manny's Tortas, A la Salsa, Salty Tart - Minnesota Monthly, March 2009
The Press Says:
"I'm not sure who came up with the idea for the Midtown Global Market, but those responsible have my eternal gratitude"
- Rick Nelson, Star Tribune Food Critic
"Not only is Midtown Global Market the place to go for international flavors of food and fits, it is also home to fantastic entertainment and special events"
- KARE11 (NBC Affiliate)
"Midtown Global Market is an excellent place...!"
- Andrew Zimmern, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern
Our Partners
Neighborhood Development Center
Latino Economic Development Center
Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center
Funders Recognition
Midtown Global Market would not be possible without the generous support of many individuals and organizations.
MARKET FOUNDERS (contributors of $250,000 and higher)
Anonymous Donor
BMO Harris
Bush Foundation
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Margaret & Angus Wurtele Foundation
Office of Community Services, Department of Health & Human Services
Pohlad Family Foundation
Ryan Companies US, Inc
St. Paul Travelers Foundation
The City of Minneapolis
The City of Minneapolis Empowerment Zone
The Ford Foundation
The Kresge Foundation
The McKnight Foundation
US Bank
Wells Fargo CDC
Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota
Wurtle Foundation, Margaret and Angus Wurtle
MARKET BUILDERS (contributors of $100,000 - $249,999)
Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation
B.C. Gamble and P.W. Skogmo Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
Federal Funds
Marquette Financial Companies
Otto Bremer Foundation
Payne-Lake Community Partners
Project for Public Spaces
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Minneapolis Foundation
US Bancorp Foundation
William Sands
William and Susan Sands
MARKET SUPPORTERS (contributors of $1,000 - $99,999)
Al & Mary Agnes McQuinn
Allina Health
Athwin Foundation
Blandin Foundation
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation
Bob Sands
Buuck Family Foundation
Campbell Foundation
Edward Nelson Dayton
Emily Anne Tuttle
George Family Foundation
Gordon Sprenger
Grotto Foundation
Lawrence and Linda Perlman Foundation
The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation
Jaye F. and Betty F. Dyer Foundation
Joan and Nancy Berg
Lucy Hartwell
Marbrook Foundation
M&I Community Development Corporation
McFarland Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Emil J. Slowinski
Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. McFarland
Mr. Brock Nelson
Otto Bremer Foundation
Payne Lake Community Partners
Peregrine Capital Management
Peter and Anne Heegaard
Piper Jaffray & Co
Pohlad Foundation
RBC Foundation
Ryan Companies US, Inc
Smikis Foundation
Sysco Foods
The City of Minneapolis
The Culp Family Foundation
The Fredrikson & Byron Foundation
The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation
The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation
The Mosaic Company
Ted and Roberta Mann Foundation
Timothy Gray
Urban America
Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota