Saffron restaurant opens
Saffron, 165 13th Ave. NE, recently opened its doors. The Levantine-Palestinian restaurant helmed by Sameh Wadi features a variety of breads, pizzas and more. The business was previously located in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District until its closure in December 2016.
Microloan program launches
Columbia Heights recently finished accepting applications for the city’s second microloan program. According to the city’s website, “the program will support business re-openings and stability by providing loan funds for anticipated building expenses such as commercial lease or mortgage payments, commercial utility payments, or commercial structure insurance payments.”
Businesses that applied for the first round of microloans and were denied were not eligible to reapply. The zero-percent interest loans are worth “up to $10,000” and can last for up to eight months.
Restaurant under rebrand
Stargazer, a cocktail bar at 1304 2nd Street NE, shut down for a refresh on September 5. The business will relaunch with a focus on “Italian-inspired food,” according to ownership. Dangerous Man Brewing Company, now located at 861 E Hennepin Ave., formerly used the location as a merchandise store.
James Young sits behind the desk of The Second Hand, 1121 Jackson St. NE. The newly opened business sells gaming supplies, snacks, beverages and consignment pieces. It also features a member-based program to rent customized rooms to gamers. (Davis Steen)
Tabletop gaming space opens
The Second Hand opened Aug. 29 at 1121 Jackson St. NE, Ste. 108. The new tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) space features private, themed and soundproofed gaming rooms.
The Second Hand also carries a selection of TTRPGs and gaming supplies and provides a community board to help players find groups. Part of its retail space is devoted to work by local artists and creators, including 3D prints, stickers, glassware and jewelry.
“Our goal is to make tabletop gaming easy and accessible while encouraging people to discover the incredible diversity of games beyond the familiar names,” the owners wrote.
Automobile repair shop opens
Matt’s Automotive Service Center has opened a new location. The car shop, 4501 Central Ave. NE, describes itself as a “community-first auto repair service.” The location, formerly known as Auto Max, is the company’s fifth location in and around the Twin Cities metro area.