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FoodSmith, the bistro pub that opened in West St. Paul just a week before the pandemic, is looking for a buyer. Owners Ann and Robert Ulrich are shifting priorities to focus on family.
Why: “We put 100% of our energy and time into the business and it paid off (we are still here!), but of course that means other things fell by the wayside,” Ann Ulrich said. “We put our family and personal lives on the backburner for the past three to four years. And now it’s time for us to recalibrate and shift our time and energy to our parents, kids, and even ourselves!”
- Both Ulrichs have a parent with health issues.
- They also want to be more invested in their kids.
What’s next: They’re hoping to sell the business and/or real estate to a qualified restaurateur/operator who could keep FoodSmith running. They would offer training, recipes, menu, and staff to a new operator to ensure ongoing success.
- “We are open to a variety of scenarios and are committed to making sure our little neighborhood gem stays that way,” Ulrich said.
Still open: “We love this neighborhood and the greater West St. Paul community, and are so grateful for what they have helped us build,” Ulrich said. “Until the right, qualified buyer comes along, Robert and I will continue to be here, building the business and working hard to maintain its success.”
- Any sale would take a minimum of 90 days to close, so any potential transition wouldn’t happen until some time in the new year.
Short History of FoodSmith
After securing a city variance for parking, FoodSmith opened on March 9, 2020. A week later, the COVID-19 shutdown closed restaurants across the state.
- They struggled through the pandemic, and were able to stay in business thanks to the addition of an outdoor patio thanks to a city grant.
- But they didn’t come through the pandemic unscathed—they had to close their Mendota Heights restaurant Mendoberri and struggled with staff issues, supply chain problems, and adjusting to the takeout boom.
- Despite the challenges, FoodSmith garnered rave reviews. They even landed on a list of best burgers of 2022 from the Pioneer Press, hailed as a “destination burger.”
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