One of the North Loop's Founding Restaurants Is Closing
Borough, the small-plates restaurant from Jester Concepts at 730 North Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, is closing June 28th after 13 years in the North Loop. It was Jester's very first restaurant and helped anchor the neighborhood as a dining destination during an era when the area had only a handful of places to eat. Co-owner Brent Frederick noted that when Borough opened, Bar La Grassa and Cuzzy's were among the few neighbors on that stretch of Washington Avenue. What came after helped define the corridor entirely.
Borough also served as a launchpad for some of the most recognized names in Minnesota hospitality. Chefs and front-of-house professionals who worked there went on to open or lead restaurants including Juniper's, Myriel, Dario, All Saints, and Earl Giles, among others. The depth of talent that passed through one kitchen over 13 years is genuinely remarkable by any measure.
Revival Fried Chicken Is Taking Over the Space
After Borough's final service, Jester Concepts will renovate the space and reopen it as Revival, the beloved fried chicken brand the group acquired last year. This will mark Revival's first permanent restaurant location. Studio Grey in Minneapolis is handling the interior redesign, and the new look will include sunflower wallpaper, beadboard paneling, and cozy booth seating, a major departure from Borough's gold-embellished mirrors and white subway tile.
The menu will center on Revival's signature fried and hot chicken, with the Revival Burger also making the lineup. That creates a unique opportunity in the North Loop: Revival upstairs and Parlour, Jester's subterranean cocktail bar, right below it. The two concepts are designed to complement rather than compete with each other.
What Happens During the Transition
While Borough closes and the Revival buildout begins, Parlour will also pause for a week of cleaning and a light refresh before reopening July 6th. During that window, Borough's covered outdoor patio will remain open to serve Parlour guests. The patio is already operating for the season, so there is still time to visit Borough before its June 28th closing date.
Full details on Revival's menu and opening timeline are expected in the coming months. In the meantime, the Revival food truck is back on the road across the Twin Cities metro.
Why This Matters Beyond the Menu
Restaurant activity in the North Loop has long been a signal for broader neighborhood momentum in Minneapolis. The shift from refined small plates to fried chicken comfort food reflects what Jester's own ownership is observing: that diner preferences have moved toward approachable, familiar formats done exceptionally well. [INTERNAL LINK: Twin Cities neighborhood news and market updates]
For anyone watching the Minneapolis market, the continued investment and reinvention along this stretch of Washington Avenue speaks to the long-term confidence that hospitality operators still have in the neighborhood.
Thinking about buying or selling in the Twin Cities? Let's talk. Text Darin Bjerknes at 612-702-5126 or DM on Instagram @darintheminnesotan.
