A Culinary Legacy Reimagined: Justin Sutherland to Open New Restaurant in St. Paul’s Historic Rondo Neighborhood

The year is officially here, folks – and in St. Paul, it’s shaping up to be tastier than ever. Get ready, Twin Cities, cuz celebrity chef Justin Sutherland and his pops, Kerry Sutherland, are about to bless us with a brand new restaurant. And where are they setting up shop? None other than the legendary Rondo neighborhood, right on Selby Avenue.

But hold up, it gets even better. Remember that super homey spot, Golden Thyme Coffee and Café? Yeah, that’s where the magic’s gonna happen. Talk about good vibes only.

Honoring the Soul of Golden Thyme

Now, Golden Thyme wasn’t just any ol’ coffee shop. For ages, it was THE spot—the heart and soul of the community. Folks would gather there, swap stories over steaming mugs, and soak up that warm, welcoming atmosphere. It was a straight-up Rondo institution.

Fast forward to last year, the Rondo Community Land Trust (RCLT) swooped in and gave Golden Thyme a new lease on life, taking over from the awesome Mychael and Stephanie Wright. And guess what their vision was? “Golden Thyme Presents” – a launchpad for Black-owned culinary businesses. How dope is that?

See, RCLT’s all about keeping the spirit of Rondo alive and thriving. They’re talkin’ affordable housing, community spaces, and creating opportunities that benefit everyone. And this Golden Thyme project? Total game-changer.

Teaming Up to Keep Culture Alive

So, picture this: RCLT and the Sutherlands, two forces of culinary awesomeness, joining forces. It’s like peanut butter and jelly, but way more delicious. E. Coco, the deputy director over at RCLT, is hyped about bringing some serious investment to Rondo and showcasing the brilliance of Black culinary arts. We’re talking next-level deliciousness with a side of cultural celebration.

And with the Sutherlands on board, you know Golden Thyme’s legacy of bringing people together is in good hands. Just imagine the conversations, the laughter, the connections—all fueled by incredible food.

A Taste of What’s to Come

Alright, let’s talk food, cuz that’s what we’re all really here for, right? Justin’s keeping the menu under wraps for now, but he did drop a juicy hint: get ready for some seriously mouthwatering shrimp and grits. Yep, you read that right. Southern comfort food is coming to Rondo, y’all!

And hold up, it gets even better. The restaurant’s gonna be rockin’ a dual-concept vibe. Think chill breakfast and specialty coffee spot by day, transforming into a swanky sit-down restaurant when the sun goes down. Talk about a two-for-one deal!

Bringing it All Back Home

For Justin Sutherland, this project is more than just opening another restaurant – it’s personal. He’s spoken about the deep honor he feels partnering with RCLT, acknowledging the profound significance of the Rondo Neighborhood. This was a place where Black families thrived, where businesses flourished, where culture pulsed through the streets.

Then came the construction of I-94, slicing through the heart of Rondo and displacing countless families. The impact is still felt today, a stark reminder of how progress can sometimes come at a cost. But Justin’s not here to dwell on the past – he’s here to rebuild, to reclaim, to reconnect. He sees food as a powerful tool, a way to bring people together, spark conversations, and celebrate the resilience of a community.

Mark Your Calendars, Foodies!

Rumor has it that renovations are kicking off this spring, which means we’re getting closer to experiencing the magic firsthand. An official opening date hasn’t dropped yet, but you better believe we’ll be the first ones in line, forks at the ready. This is one culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

A Star Chef with a Passion for Flavor

Now, in case you’ve been living under a rock (no judgment!), lemme introduce you to the culinary genius behind all this – Justin Sutherland. This dude’s a straight-up rockstar in the food world. We’re talking “Top Chef,” “Iron Chef” – he’s conquered them all. And get this, he even snagged an Emmy for his show “Taste the Culture.” Talk about impressive.

But Justin’s not just some big-shot TV chef. He’s a hometown hero, pouring his heart and soul into restaurants all over the Twin Cities. Handsome Hog, Ox Cart Ale House – you name it, he’s probably whipped up something amazing there. And now, he’s bringing that same passion, that same creativity, that same Southern-inspired flair to Rondo. Get ready, St. Paul, because things are about to get delicious.