Hard Times Cafe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hard Times Cafe |
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Hard Times Cafe on Riverside Avenue
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1992 |
| Current owner(s) | Collectively owned |
| Food type | Vegan, vegetarian |
| Street address | 1821 Riverside Ave |
| City | Minneapolis |
| State | Minnesota |
| Postal/ZIP code | 55454 |
Hard Times Cafe is a unique restaurant in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is special because it is owned and run by its workers, meaning everyone who works there has a say in how things are done.
The cafe is well-known for its relaxed, artistic vibe and its wide variety of vegan and vegetarian food. It's a popular spot for people who enjoy plant-based meals. Hard Times Cafe is open every day from 8 AM to Midnight, offering a welcoming space for many different people.
Contents
The Story of Hard Times Cafe
How It Started
Hard Times Cafe opened its doors in 1992. It was started by eight employees from another restaurant that used to be in the same spot. These workers had a dream: to create a place where all kinds of people could gather. They wanted a cafe where everyone could enjoy coffee and delicious vegetarian food together.
A Community Hub
Since it opened, Hard Times Cafe has become a very important part of the West Bank neighborhood. It's a favorite meeting place for many local artists, musicians, and students. People who are interested in community projects and making a difference also often gather here.
For a while, Cam Gordon, who was a city council member for Minneapolis, even held his public "office hours" at the cafe. This meant people could come and talk to him about city issues right there.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many businesses, Hard Times Cafe has faced some tough times. In January 2000, the cafe had to close its doors for a short period due to some issues. The owners worked hard with the city to reopen. They made sure the cafe met all health and safety rules. After some discussions, they reached an agreement with the city, which included closing for two hours each night. This allowed the cafe to welcome customers back.
Later, in August 2007, Hard Times Cafe closed again for important renovations. A health inspector suggested they update their air system. The cafe expected to be closed for only a few weeks. However, there were unexpected delays and more improvements were needed. The cafe ended up being closed for three months longer than planned. During this time, another worker-owned cafe in Minneapolis, Seward Community Cafe, helped them out financially. Hard Times Cafe finally reopened on December 16, 2007, with a brand-new air system and other upgrades, ready to serve its community once more.
More to Explore
- List of vegetarian restaurants
See also
In Spanish: Hard Times Cafe para niños
