French Meadow Closed Its Minneapolis Cafe
The longstanding Minneapolis restaurant ceased operations on September 14, 2026, following a series of legal disputes.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Do you trust that locally-owned businesses in your area will survive ownership changes?
French Meadow Bakery and Cafe shut its Minneapolis location on September 14, 2026, ending a 41-year tenure in the city. The closure follows a period of financial and legal instability surrounding the business.
Why it matters
The shutdown stems from significant legal battles, including a lawsuit involving over $1.7 million in alleged payment defaults and an eviction case filed by the property landlord.
The cafe operated in Minneapolis for 41 years before its closure. The business owner reported that the closure was prompted by ongoing litigation, including a claim involving $1.7 million in unpaid obligations.
The players
Lynn Gordon
She is the founder of French Meadow Bakery and Cafe who established the business in 1985.
Marlene Leiva
She is the owner who purchased the business in September 2025 and faced subsequent felony charges.
BlueOne Plate
This is the business entity named in a lawsuit for an alleged $1.7 million in missed payments.
The details
Following the sale of the business to Marlene Leiva in September 2025, founder Lynn Gordon filed a lawsuit against BlueOne Plate in Hennepin County. The situation was further complicated by felony charges filed against Leiva in June 2026 related to alleged rent payment issues.
Timeline
1985: French Meadow opened in Minneapolis.
1996: French Meadow stand opened at Minnesota State Fair.
2012: St. Paul restaurant location opened.
September 2025: Marlene Leiva purchased the business.
September 14, 2026: The Minneapolis location closed.
Market Landscape
The closure concludes a 41-year history for the brand in Minneapolis that began with the 1985 founding of French Meadow Bakery and Cafe. This exit represents a significant contraction for a local institution that had expanded its footprint over decades.
Customers who frequented the Minneapolis location will no longer be able to access the bakery and cafe services at that site. However, the company confirmed that the St. Paul location remains open for patrons.
The takeaway
The end of this long-running Minneapolis business highlights the severe operational risks that can arise following ownership transitions and legal entanglements. Patrons should verify the status of other legacy local businesses before planning visits during periods of reported financial restructuring.
Further reading
For more information on local business shifts, visit the Minneapolis Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Tribune.
Live Poll
Do you trust that locally-owned businesses in your area will survive ownership changes?
