Minneapolis Restaurant Closes, Blames COVID And 'Unrest'

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Butcher and the Boar, a popular downtown Minneapolis restaurant that has been open since 2012, is closing for good. The eatery blames the summer's street violence and vandalism — as well as the coronavirus. pandemic — for its closure.

"Due to COVID-19 and the unrest in Minneapolis we are closing our doors permanently," states a sign on the restaurant’s door, reports the Star Tribune. "Thank you all for your support over the years."

The Butcher and the Board did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Civil unrest downtown, sparked by misinformation

Widespread vandalism began downtown last week after a man fatally shot himself. There were unsubstantiated claims made on social media that police shot him.

In a rare move, the city quickly released video of the graphic incident on social media, citing the need to quell rumors and end the civil unrest. The video was taken down Thursday morning.

Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey both condemned the vandals in late-night news conferences and told people downtown that they must return home.

A total of 132 people were arrested by multiple agencies on various offenses that included riot, burglary, damage to property and curfew. Vandals damaged dozens of businesses downtown and in the Loring Park neighborhood.

Read more:

• Photos: Downtown Minneapolis Recovers After Wednesday's Vandalism
• Vietnamese Restaurant Owner Decries 'Heartbreaking' Vandalism
• 10 More People Charged In Downtown Minneapolis Vandalism