Minneapolis city officials estimate local businesses are losing $10-$20 million every week due to the effects of Operation Metro Surge.
MINNEAPOLIS — Local businesses across the Twin Cities are facing sharp declines in foot traffic and revenue since Operation Metro Surge began in December.
Minneapolis city officials estimate that businesses could be losing between $10 to $20 million every week as some are afraid to go outside. Now, some of the city’s most beloved establishments are wondering how long they can hold on if this continues.
For decades, Bryant Lake Bowl & Theater has been an Uptown institution—a place where people can grab a drink, a bite to eat, enjoy a show, or bowl a few frames. But the energy that once filled the space has faded since December.
“We’ve taken a hit, for sure,” said manager Peggy Dainty. Dainty estimates that business has dropped nearly 75% since December, with the theater side suffering the most. “We’re trying to stay alive. You know, we’re iconic to Minneapolis.” Their performance theater typically has a show every day, but now they are down to a couple a week.
“If it stays this way, it’s gonna be a problem,” Dainty said.
Across the river in Northeast Minneapolis, the situation is similar for Bauhaus Brew Labs. President Drew Hurst says taproom traffic is down roughly 44% year over year for January.
“To say stressful would be an understatement,” Hurst said. “We are not too big to fail. We’ve been around for 12 years, we are a community pillar, but this is hitting everyone. And if it’s hitting us this hard, I know it’s hitting all of our neighbors and everyone very hard too.”
The brewery posted on Facebook Thursday, urging the community to support.
“Our taproom has taken a massive blow to sales and with all of our off-site business being through local liquor stores and restaurants that are also being impacted, we are being hit on all fronts at once,” the post read.
This economic strain comes less than six years after Minneapolis endured more than $350 million in losses following the unrest after George Floyd’s murder and the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, the city received federal aid. This time, it’s unclear whether any help is on the way.
