Vuka Peri Peri Chicken Opens in Minneapolis Lyn-Lake

The new restaurant is now serving flame-grilled chicken dishes in the space formerly occupied by Casablanca Restaurant.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Close-up of flame-grilled meat and red peppers on a hot charcoal grill, capturing the intense heat of preparation. — Vuka Peri Peri Chicken has opened its doors in Minneapolis’s Lyn-Lake neighborhood, offering flame-grilled dishes in a former restaurant space. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Does the arrival of new restaurant chains or concepts improve the character of your neighborhood?

Vuka Peri Peri Chicken has officially opened a new restaurant in the Lyn-Lake neighborhood of Minneapolis. The establishment began its soft opening phase earlier this month.

Why it matters

The new arrival occupies a prominent site on West Lake Street that has seen multiple restaurant tenants over the last several years. Its opening brings a fresh menu option to the established neighborhood dining corridor.

The restaurant is located at 626 W Lake St and offers a menu featuring 5 distinct flavor profiles for its flame-grilled chicken. The space has been repurposed following the departure of its previous tenant.

The players

Taz Nzara

Taz Nzara is a co-owner of the Vuka Peri Peri Chicken company.

Dominic Nzara

Dominic Nzara serves as a co-owner of the restaurant group.

Shepherd Nzara

Shepherd Nzara is one of the three co-owners of Vuka Peri Peri Chicken.

The details

Co-owned by Taz, Dominic, and Shepherd Nzara, the restaurant focuses on flame-grilled chicken, burgers, and vegetarian options like mushroom and chickpea bowls. The site previously hosted Casablanca Restaurant and Lounge between 2023 and 2025.

It's Greek to Me closed at the location in 2019.
Casablanca Restaurant and Lounge occupied the building from 2023 to 2025.
Vuka Peri Peri Chicken launched its soft opening on October 8, 2026.

Market Landscape

The opening follows the pattern set by the high turnover rate of independent restaurant spaces in urban districts, as Vuka Peri Peri Chicken takes over a site that housed two different dining concepts since 2019. This transition reflects the ongoing competitive churn in the Minneapolis local dining market.

Local diners can now visit the location to sample the new menu featuring flame-grilled chicken and various side dishes. The addition provides a new food service option for those living or working in the Lyn-Lake area.

The takeaway

The restaurant occupies a site with a long history of food service operations in the city. Residents looking for new dining options can expect a varied menu that includes both protein-heavy dishes and vegetarian-friendly bowls.