Words and photos by Chris Oien
Illustrations by John Willinski
By far the best perk of my job when I worked at the Lake Street Council for five years was being across the street from the Midtown Global Market. But it wasn’t only because I was guaranteed a delicious lunch any day of the week. It was also the chance to be near dozens of the most dedicated, hard-working small business owners in Minneapolis — all under one roof.
MGM business owners have a vision for the place they’re carving out. They’re making their community a better place to live by showing up every day and living out that vision.
Here’s a glimpse into two of the many stories you can learn when you talk to the vendors at the Midtown Global Market. Next time you get a chance, head over for lunch, strike up a conversation, and get to know someone else firsthand.
Manny Gonzalez
Owner of Manny’s Tortas
How did you become a small business owner?
I’ve always wanted to run my own restaurant, and I got that chance in 1999 at the Mercado Central (a Latino marketplace at the corner of Bloomington & Lake). I also worked at Manny’s Steakhouse at the time, and [stayed] there for 1.5 more years while getting Manny’s Tortas started.
What’s your favorite part of being a small business owner?
Making delicious food, giving it to customers, and seeing the joy they get from it.
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How do you help build community with your business?
I’ve served on the Mercado Central board of directors; I donate to local schools and nonprofits; and I provide food to support activists working on causes like immigration rights, and to ethnic events that represent and celebrate our origins.
Sibban Johnson
Co-owner of Cafe Finspang
What do you like most about being part of Midtown Global Market’s small business community?
Diversity. I live in this neighborhood, too, and before the Global Market came this was a big empty building. I thought it was a great idea to breathe life back into it, and what better way than to connect all these different kinds of people?
What’s an important value you bring to your work?
Education. I grew up in Sweden and I like to educate people about what’s Swedish-Swedish and what’s more Minnesota-Swedish.
Education goes both ways, too. One day early on, before we’d even officially opened, a Somali man came by and started talking to me in perfect Swedish! I learned he had lived in Sweden, and that there is a Somali community in Sweden of about 50,000 to 60,000 people. Now I find that every Somali person I talk [has] relatives in Sweden. That’s something I never would have known without being part of the Global Market.
What do you want people to know about your business?
Come in and try our truffles! They’re authentically Swedish and perfect to pick up for Valentine’s Day.
Chris Oien grew up on an organic farm in rural Montana. After graduating from Macalester College in 2004, he found his home in the Twin Cities nonprofit scene. He currently leads digital communications efforts at the Minnesota Council on Foundations and serves on the board of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of the Twin Cities, elevating best practices for grantmakers and emerging leaders alike.
Illustrations by John Willinski