Meet Danny Schwartzman, the owner of Common Roots Cafe and one of the 14 values-driven businesses that have come together in support of Pollen’s mission to invest in human connection. Together, they challenge Pollenites to raise $15,000 by Give to the Max Day on November 16, which they will match dollar for dollar. Match the hive and donate today.
Photo by Bobby Rogers
Common Roots serves good food made from scratch with local and organic ingredients every day in their cafe at 26th and Lyndale, and around the metro area at catered events—from elaborate corporate events and weddings to boxed lunches. Common Roots supports the local community, local farmers, the local food system, and the environment. Danny and his wife Elana want Common Roots to be a great place to work as well, and believe employee compensation shouldn’t depend on the generosity of customers. All employees at Common Roots make at least $15 per hour and receive benefits. Danny and Elana use their privilege as small business owners to stand up and support the community—advocating in support of paid sick time and increases in the minimum wage, to make our community healthier and more equitable. When extreme voices in the U.S. started spewing hate against Muslims and immigrants, Common Roots helped launch a national effort to say, “Hate Has No Business Here.”
How long have you been running your business? When did you know you wanted to become an entrepreneur?
I opened Common Roots 10 years ago, after spending about a year working on the vision for the business and logistics on getting open. My introduction to entrepreneurship was dog walking and snow shoveling as a kid. In college, I studied political science and went on to do grassroots organizing and political campaign work, but kept an ongoing interest in the role businesses can play in making positive change in communities. After a few years of organizing work, I decided to make the leap and create a business of my own.
[I] kept an ongoing interest in the role businesses can play in making positive change in communities.
What’s the culture of your team? How do you support one another? How did that culture become to be?
Our team is very much an all-hands on deck approach where people jump in to support each other. The restaurant industry can be tough, and every day there are countless things that can go wrong, especially with off-site catering. We try to come up with creative solutions together and give the support people need.
We try to come up with creative solutions together and give the support people need.
We are certainly a values-driven team. Overwhelmingly, our staff is drawn to Common Roots because they share our community-focused values and support for local farmers. And that makes this a much stronger business.
Do you have a favorite mantra or quote to keep you going and inspired?
Stand Up. Keep Fighting.
Join Danny:
DONATE TO MATCH THE HIVE TODAY
Find Danny & Common Roots online and give them an online hug for supporting Pollen.
t: commonroots