Tibetan and Indian Restaurant Opening in Former Revival Building in Minneapolis
A well known restaurant location in south Minneapolis is getting a fresh start.
The former Revival restaurant building at 4537 Nicollet Ave. S. has been purchased and will soon reopen as Inti Kitchen & Bar, a new restaurant specializing in Tibetan and Indian cuisine.
The new concept is expected to open in May 2026, bringing a unique culinary option back to this stretch of Nicollet Avenue.
A New Chapter for a Well Known Restaurant Location
Revival, once known for its Southern fried chicken and barbecue, closed all of its locations in early 2025. The Nicollet Avenue property sat vacant for about a year before being purchased by restaurateur Chogyal Tenzin.
Tenzin bought the building in February for $1.2 million, according to public records.
He plans to renovate the space and expand the indoor dining capacity from 45 seats to around 80 seats, making the restaurant better suited for busy weekends and larger crowds.
The building also includes outdoor seating and a parking lot that could be used for events.
Bringing Tibetan Cuisine Back to Minneapolis
The restaurant is also reviving a type of cuisine that many Minneapolis diners have missed.
For nearly a decade, Tibet Kitchen on Nicollet Avenue served authentic Tibetan dishes before closing during the pandemic.
Tenzin has close ties to that restaurant and even worked there in several roles. To help recreate those flavors, he has hired the former head chef from Tibet Kitchen to lead the kitchen at Inti.
Menu items are expected to include:
• Tibetan dumplings (momos)
• Hand-pulled noodles
• Beef stir fry dishes
• Tibetan lo mein
The menu will also include Indian favorites such as chicken tikka masala and curry dishes to broaden the appeal.
A Cultural Gathering Space for the Neighborhood
Beyond the food, the restaurant aims to become a community gathering space.
Tenzin has plans to host open-air markets in the parking lot on weekends, featuring handmade Tibetan products and local vendors.
The building also includes a $60,000 commercial slow cooker, which the team plans to use to experiment with unique dishes like Tibetan-inspired ribs.
Ideas like these could help create more street activity and bring new life to Nicollet Avenue.
What It Means for Minneapolis
New independent restaurants continue to play a big role in shaping the culture and energy of neighborhoods across Minneapolis.
Projects like Inti Kitchen & Bar highlight how existing restaurant spaces can be reimagined with new concepts and cultural influences.
For residents nearby, it also means another local dining option within walking distance.
And for visitors, it is a chance to experience cuisine that is not widely available across the Twin Cities.
If the concept takes off, it could quickly become one of the more unique restaurant experiences in Minneapolis.
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