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Red Cow owner’s new restaurant plots late-December opening

One of the Twin Cities’ most anticipated restaurant debuts — from Luke Shimp, owner of the Red Cow chain — is getting closer.

Red Rabbit will likely open during Christmas week, with the goal of opening on Dec. 20, said Michael Giacomini, director of finance for Red Cow.

Red Rabbit will serve pizzas, pastas, oysters and salads. Shimp is partnering withformer Parella Chef Todd McDonald on the project at 201 Washington Ave. N. in Minneapolis.

Giacomini says Red Rabbit will have 70 to 80 employees and will begin interviews soon.

Shimp launched Red Cow in Southwest Minneapolis in 2013 and has since added locations in the North Loop and St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill. Red Cow also has two stands at Target Field.

It’s been a huge hit. Red Cow was recently named the fastest-growing company in the Business Journal’s Fast 50 awards.

There’s was slight drama over the summer for the planned restaurant. Giacomini said they had to negotiate with another restaurant, Red Rabbit Kitchen and Bar in Sacramento, to keep the Red Rabbit name as its logo and fonts are different.

Photo: Red Cow owner Luke Shimp, by NANCY KUEHN | MSPBJ

Dan DeBaun covers food companies and restaurants.



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