MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Maple Grove gives people who plan to stroll Main Street something new to chew on; the suburban city boldly declared itself the culinary capital of Minnesota last week.
It’s a title that Greg Anzelc, the executive director of Explore Maple Grove, said they could claim because no other city had it.
“We also know that there is no magician behind the curtain with a council to award that title, so we liked to do it as a way to invite people to Maple Grove,” Anzelc said.
For residents like Jon Schlemmer, however, it’s still the larger cities that take the crown.
“I like what they did with the place, but being from Minneapolis, I’m used to a more diverse food scene than this,” Schlemmer said.
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But it’s more than just chains and drive-thrus in Maple Grove.
“From Pittsburg Blue, all the way to the locally owned and operated Malone’s Bar and Grill down the street, to a great Mexican restaurant,” Anzelc said.
Anzelc says the city has nearly 150 easily accessible restaurants.
While the new title is getting some attention online, Maple Grove says don’t stop until you try it.
“It’s a fun debate and we really believe in everything our city has to offer,” Anzelc said. “And we look forward to continuing that.”
David Schuman
