Kim’s in Uptown announces closure after workers unionize in June
Chef Ann Kim unveils new restaurant in Minneapolis
One of the Twin Cities top chefs has opened a new restaurant in a familiar space. James Beard Award winner, Ann Kim, has flipped her uptown eatery from Sooki & Mimi to Kim’s. There’s a new mural, new name, new menu and new themed basement bar called Bronto Bar. It’s an ode to things that are extinct. The Korean American restaurant menu reflects Kim’s heritage and cultural journey. It’s open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bronto Bar is open Thursday through Saturday. Kim’s is located at 1432 W 3st St. in Uptown.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Less than two months after voting to unionize, workers at Kim’s in Uptown, Minneapolis, will likely be out of a job on Aug. 31, following an Instagram post saying the restaurant will close due to "ongoing financial losses."
What we know
On May 28, workers at the restaurant notified management of their intent to unionize with Unite Here Local 17, which represents workers in the hospitality and service industry in the Twin Cities.
During the process, Ann Kim and the restaurant's management team failed to voluntarily recognize the unionization efforts, and per National Labor Relations Act requirements, a vote among employees was held on June 27 – the results of which successfully unionized workers.
More than 70% of the roughly 60 part-time and full-time workers sought increased wages, health care options and more predictable scheduling as part of their union.
Prior to the vote, the restaurant had fallen victim to vandalism, when paint and a concrete slab were thrown through its window.
James Beard Award-winning chef Ann Kim owns the restaurant, in addition to Young Joni, Pizzeria Lola, and Hello Pizza.
What we don’t know
It remains unclear whether workers at Kim’s will be offered positions at other locations.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: (L-R) Ann Kim and Karen Akunowicz speak onstage during the 2024 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards at Lyric Opera Of Chicago on June 10, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for James Bea