An Insider's Look at the Latino Community in Minneapolis

“Latino entrepreneurs want you as a customer. You might think, ‘I don’t know Spanish, I don’t know what pozole is, I don’t know what everything is on the menu,’ but it’s worth it to go and discover it. Entrepreneurs who own these businesses will be welcoming and happy that you’re there!”

As the city celebrates Latino Heritage Month, we take an insider’s look at the growth of the Minneapolis Latino community. Sergio Manancero, co-owner of La Doña Cervecería, Luis Fitch, international award-winning artist/designer with UNO Branding, and Allison Sharkey of Lake Street Council, share their insights on how the Latino community is helping our city evolve and offer tips on what to see, do and eat to fully appreciate this culture that’s interwoven throughout Minneapolis. Listen using the play button below or stream Episode 16 for free on Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts.

Featuring:

Co-Host, Iris Perez

FOX 9 news reporter and fill in anchor

Iris Perez is a longtime FOX 9 news reporter and fill-in anchor. Her live reports often lead the station’s primetime 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. Iris has covered it all in the Twin Cities and is known for her keen, compassionate, yet no-nonsense ability to get to the heart of any story.

Guest, Sergio Manancero

Co-owner of La Doña Cervecería

Sergio Manancero is the son of Uruguayan immigrants who was born and raised in Minnesota. After returning to Minnesota from active duty in the Marine Corps, Sergio discovered craft beer and noticed that Latino's like himself were absent from many of the craft breweries in town. This led to a collaboration with business partners to develop and open Minnesota's first Latino-influenced craft brewery, La Doña Cerveceria. La Doña combines Latin culture in Minneapolis with music, art, sports, and of course, beer.

Guest, Luis Fitch

Artist and Designer, as well as Founder and Creative Director of UNO Branding

Luis Fitch is an international award winning artist/designer, mentor and creative entrepreneur who is currently the founder of UNO Branding, a multicultural, strategic visual communication agency. He has enjoyed great success with commercial art. His artwork has been presented nationally and internationally and is in more than 100 collections in Latin America and the U.S.A.

Guest, Allison Sharkey

Executive Director, Lake Street Council

Allison Sharkey is the Executive Director of the Lake Street Council and has lived along the corridor for over 15 years. She uses her expertise in business finance, real estate, commercial building renovation, and nonprofit management to help guide the Lake Street corridor and support its community of entrepreneurs and business owners.

Local Latino-owned businesses and corridors mentioned in this podcast:
La Doña Cervecería, Mercado Central, Taqueria la Hacienda, La Loma, La Alborada, Chimborazo, Hector Ruiz restaurants (Cafe Ena, Rincón 38, Costa Blanca Bistro, La Fresca), Lake Street, Central Avenue (Northeast Minneapolis)