Sweetgreen’s feel-good salads will arrive at the Mall of America this spring

Sweetgreen will bring its feel-good menu to Bloomington in spring 2026 at the Mall of America’s Culinary On North food court. This will be its fifth metro-area location.

Founded in 2007 by three Georgetown University students tired of being surrounded by unhealthy fast-food options, Sweetgreen was built to be an affordable, healthier option with a focus on sourcing local ingredients. The company has grown precipitously while touting sustainability and ingredient diversity. The menu now includes a mix of made-to-order seasonal salads, bowls, protein plates and more. Prices range from $11-$16.

The fast-casual chain already has locations in the Galleria in Edina, Minneapolis’ North Loop, on the University of Minnesota campus and on Grand Avenue in St. Paul.

Those late-night cravings will get a speedy upgrade next year, when Taco Bell rolls out two of its Kitchen X models in Minnesota.

The concept centers around a modern new store design built for efficiency, speed and high volume. There was a glimmer of hope that these fancy new locations — in Lakeville, at Cedar Av. and 179th St. W., and Rochester, at 19th St. NW. and W. Circle Drive NW. — might be Live Más cafes, with “Bellristas” churning out handcrafted drinks. Details on Kitchen X aren’t public yet, Border Foods told the Development Tracker. Look for openings in late 2026 or early 2027.

Xin Chào - Our Home Kitchen recently opened at 11660 Elm Creek Blvd. N. in Maple Grove with a menu of bun bo hue, meaty stuffed egg rolls, cheese and bacon wontons, pho with all the goodies and more. It’s open for lunch through dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

Pho Oanh is getting closer to opening at 774 University Av. W. in St. Paul, along the city’s restaurant-dense thoroughfare. The converted house has been remodeled and the restaurant’s social media pages promise traditional Vietnamese cuisine and an update on an opening date coming very soon.

With the addition of a rentable commercial kitchen space, cottage food vendors can make and sell their goods, helping startups take their ideas to the next level.

The new indoor market expects to open later this month or in early November. Plus, like the former restaurant in this space, they’re keeping the option to host live music and events.

Ann Ahmed is inviting guests to be part of the Kamma Collective, a new collaborative dinner series celebrating the chefs of her restaurants. The evenings begin with welcome bites followed by a five-course tasting menu created by Ahmed and her chef de cuisines. Weaving in tales of the dishes, inspired by Lao traditions and personal experiences, it’s an opportunity to experience meals with a deep connection to the people who prepare them.

The kickoff will be Oct. 31 with Andy Denkinger of Khâluna, followed by Nov. 17 with Zach Keifer of Gai Noi and Dec. 16 with Charles Middleton of Lat14. Each evening will offer two seatings, at 5:30 and 8:15 p.m., and are held at Khâluna (4000 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.). Tickets are $125 with an optional wine pairing. Find out more information and buy tickets at khaluna.com/kamma-collective.

In case you missed last week’s news, Jon Wipfli’s brick-and-mortar version of Animales Barbeque Co. will open Oct. 23 at 241 Fremont Av. N. in Minneapolis. With a sprawling, 12,500-square-foot footprint, there’s a larger kitchen, which translates to an expanded menu, and gathering spaces that will serve triple duty, playing host to a 300-seat dining room, large group- and family-friendly features (including an artist-designed kid play area) and a music venue.