Seward Community Cafe, Worker cooperative restaurant in Seward district, Minneapolis, United States.
Seward Community Cafe is a restaurant in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis where employees collectively own and manage the business together. The menu features vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside traditional items served in a casual dining setting.
The restaurant was founded in 1974 and initially paid volunteers using a 'Burger Bucks' system before switching to conventional wages. This shift marked an important evolution in how worker cooperatives developed in the United States.
The space hosts rotating exhibitions of artwork in its dining area, created by neighborhood artists who share their creations with regular customers and guests. The changing displays reflect the creative life of the surrounding community and invite conversation during meals.
The cafe operates Thursday through Sunday during morning and midday hours, allowing visitors to plan their timing accordingly. Early morning visits tend to be quieter, offering a more relaxed experience for browsing the menu and enjoying the space.
The restaurant holds the distinction of being the longest-operating worker-managed restaurant establishment in the United States. This longevity makes it a notable example of sustained success under collective ownership and operation.
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