Culture Traditions

A Complete Rundown Of The Minnesota Vikings' New Stadium Eats And Eateries

A Complete Rundown of the Minnesota Vikings' New Stadium Eats and Eateries Mark Herreid / Shutterstock
Matt Sulem|

The ribbon was cut on U.S. Bank Stadium, the new home of the Minnesota Vikings, on July 22, 2016 — and although the team hasn't started its season yet, the stadium is already making waves with some historic firsts, including the announcement of the venue's various food vendors.

In addition to being the first fixed-roof NFL stadium built since Ford Field back in 2002, U.S. Bank had its first sporting event (a soccer match between AC Milan and Chelsea FC) on Aug. 3, first concert (Luke Bryan) on Aug. 19, and first preseason football game (vs. the San Diego Chargers) on Aug. 28. The first regular-season game will be Sept. 18. Further in the future, U.S. Bank Stadium will host the ESPN X Games in 2017 and 2018, Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4, 2018, and the NCAA Final Four in 2019. But let's get back to the food.

Aramark is the exclusive hospitality partner and dining services provider for U.S. Bank Stadium, and they assembled quite the culinary lineup of Minneapolis- and St. Paul-based bakeries, brands, and business for the new venue. Partnerships have been established with the following Minnesota businesses:

Assorted nut mixes and various savory snacks

Mediterranean and North African cuisine

Specialty sandwiches and hoagies

  • Chappy Street Eats, White Bear Lake

Gluten-free fare

Hand-crafted, artisan chocolates

Gourmet mini cinnamon rolls

Cheese curds (because Minnesota)

Unique line of homemade sandwiches with a Midwest flare

Assorted, hand-dipped truffles

Handmade sausages made with time-honored methods and traditional recipes

  • Lola's Cafe, Minneapolis

Dry-rubbed and sweet chicken wings featuring Lola's signature spice

A landmark steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis, home of the famous Silver Butter Knife Steak, and our pick for the best steakhouse in the entire state

Artisan hot dogs and handcrafted sausage, made with locally raised meats

Handmade natural, preservative-free, and gluten-free brittle

Fresh-baked half-pound cookies

Distinctive fast-casual tacos

"This stadium is all about Minnesota," said Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, in a press release. "We are proud to feature some of the best Minnesota small businesses, chefs, and food at U.S. Bank Stadium."

In addition to the chefs at the aforementioned businesses, Kelm-Helgen is also referring to culinary partnerships with three-time James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern, as well as Gavin Kaysen, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Spoon and Stable. Kaysen will open new stadium locations under Zimmern's Canteen Rotisserie and Canteen Hoagies brands. Two of the city's most revered restaurants, Ike's Food & Cocktails and Revival Restaurant, will also open outposts.

U.S. Bank's general concessions will include the following original concepts, fan favorites, and classic stadium fare from M Hospitality:

  • 612 Burger Kitchen

Handmade black Angus beef blend burgers

  • Bud's BBQ

House-made barbecue classics

  • Wild Rice Market

Assorted "better for you" options, such as salads and gluten-free fare

Garden burgers

  • The Kernel

Gourmet popcorn

Artisan soft pretzels with house-made dipping sauces

  • Mill City Classics

Hot dogs, brats, and nachos

Pizza, of course

  • State Fair Classics

State fair favorites, curated by Andrew Zimmern (Click here to read the Minnesota State Fair's artery-clogging 2016 menu.)

  • Twin Cities Foodie

A stadium-exclusive concept featuring signature menu items from area chefs/restaurateurs Matt Bickford (Icehouse MPLS), Shawn Smalley (Smalley's Caribbean Barbecue) and Tammy Wong (Rainbow Restaurant). A portion of proceeds from food sales at the Twin Cities Foodie location will benefit the Minneapolis chapter of Share Our Strength.

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