Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty & Amy Keegan.
Hi Patty & Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our parents started the business in 1975. My sister and I bought the building and the business in 2000 and embarked on a major remodel. We got a beer and wine license, expanded the dining room and kitchen, got our pasta sauce jarred and started making frozen pizzas for some of the local bars. After a rough couple of years for restaurants and our city, we knew we needed to invest further in our community and diversify. We built a bar, got a full liquor license, and spun off a wholesale division, selling our sauces and frozen pizzas in grocery/convenience stores and more bars.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We are no different than any other restaurant. We all face challenges of food cost, a tough labor market and a fluctuating economy. Add to that a pandemic and the murder of George Floyd 2 blocks away, made it an even tougher industry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jakeeno’s Pizza & Pasta?
We are most proud of running a long standing, high quality business in the inner-city. It was just a hole in the wall when we purchased it and now we’ve expanded into the whole building and launched the wholesale division. Our pizzas and sauces are now in local co-ops, grocery & convenience stores, and bars in both Minneapolis & St. Paul and continues to grow. We want people to remember the impact that choosing to spend their money at small neighborhood businesses has.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Prince lived around the corner and used to come in and see if his songs were on the jukebox.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jakeenos.com
- Instagram: @jakeenosmpls
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jakeenosmpls
