Community Corner
‘We Are Here To Listen And Learn’: St. Paul Mexican Restaurant Changes Name On Day It Was Slated To Open
Protesters said the original name was problematic, as it used a word considered sacred.
By WCCO-TV
September 11, 2020
Find out what's happening in Saint Paulfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Before it ever opened to customers, a St. Paul restaurant specializing in Mexican street food has changed its name after activists protested, citing cultural appropriation.
Elotes Woodfire Grill was slated to open Thursday on West 7th Street, inside the keystone Keg & Case Market space left vacant by In Bloom. However, the new restaurant wasn’t able to welcome guests due to an issue with the building’s fire suppression equipment.
Find out what's happening in Saint Paulfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Protesters also picketed outside the restaurant. According to an online petition, they took issue with the owner, Brian Ingram, using the word “Elotes” in the restaurant’s name. The protesters say the word is sacred, as it stems from an indigenous word for corn, a native crop. There was no issue with Ingram’s interpretation of Mexican street food.
Read more at CBS Minnesota
