MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – With a shared commitment to Minnesota’s family farmers, a partnership between the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and Birchwood Cafe was only natural—and has proven successful in several years at the Minnesota State Fair. The two organizations have expanded this partnership to form the MFU/Birchwood Alliance, moving forward to create an exciting new restaurant concept at 750 South 2nd Street in Minneapolis.

The longtime home of Chef Brenda Langton’s pioneering Spoonriver, this riverside space has been entrusted to the MFU/Birchwood Alliance to honor Langton’s legacy and focus on local, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients—benefitting local farmers and diners alike. The new collaboration with Birchwood and the 14,000 farmers of MFU builds on the notion of “farm to table” in a whole new way, strengthening farm-to-community connections to result in more of the good, real food for which Birchwood is revered.

“We’ve been presented with many opportunities in our 24 years in business, but none as special and unique as this,” said Birchwood Cafe owner Tracy Singleton of both the storied restaurant space and the expanded partnership. “Brenda has always been a role model; by elevating farmers, community and sustainability to our conversations about food, she’s redefined what it means to ‘eat healthy.’ We’re excited to carry on her ethos through our ‘Good Real Food’ and trusted farmer relationships.”

“Restaurants are a good market option for many farmers,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “As generations get further removed from the farm, it is exciting to use this opportunity to reconnect consumers to their farmers through their food.”

The Alliance will be partnering with local design firm Shea to brand and transform the space, with further concept and menu details to come. The restaurant will open in 2020.