Join WWRC host, culinary creative and restauranteur Abby Rakun at The Loppet to learn all about Northern Hospitality and Co restaurant group, including Mill Valley Kitchen in St. Louis Park, Benedict’s in Wayzata and Rochester, Mill Valley Market at Theo Wirth Park, and Longtrees in Alexandria.
We'll even get to sample one of Sue Zelickson's personal favorite Mill Valley treats - Bison Burger sliders!
Abby and her husband and partner, Mike Rakun, run Northern Hospitality and Co restaurant group. As students together at Le Cordon Bleu, Abby and Mike bonded over a shared passion for food and the hospitality industry. In 2011, they began their first business endeavor, Mill Valley Kitchen, a culinary tribute to a region in Northern California known as the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement and famous for its thoughtfully crafted food.
As a mother of three, Abby honed her passion for layering nutrient dense ingredients in meals for the family. Mike, who had spent years as a professional Chef in a variety of venues, was able to utilize these principles and apply them in creating an entire menu of delicious and healthful dining options.
After the success of Mill Valley Kitchen, Mike and Abby have continued to open new restaurant concepts in Minnesota including Benedict’s in Wayzata and Rochester, Mill Valley Market at Theo Wirth Park, and Longtrees in Alexandria.
Aside from learning all about Abby and Mike's amazing entrepreneurial journey, Abby will discuss some of the challenges of opening Mill Valley Market during the pandemic, Mill Valley's brand extension in the Theodore Wirth/Trailhead space, and the event planning side of their business. We'll also hear from Claire Wilson, the Director of the Loppet, to learn more about the Trailhead space and some of their creative partnerships! And you won’t want to miss the samples of Sue Zelickson's personal favorite Mill Valley treat - Bison Burger sliders!
Location: Mill Valley Market @ The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422 (Located in the Trailhead building at Theodore Wirth Park)
Parking Instructions: There is free parking available at the Trailhead building as well as across the street.