Francis Burger Joint

Francis, once a beloved food truck at Sociable Cider Werks, transformed its growing popularity into a thriving brick-and-mortar vegan restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis in January 2023. With the help of Element’s Aaron Meyers, Francis secured their first permanent location at 2422 Central Ave NE, following the closure of the iconic Yai Sen Lek. Known for their killer plant-based burgers, crispy fries, “chicken” sandwiches, and homemade sauces like their fan-favorite Francy Sauce, the Northeast space became an instant hit. Featuring a welcoming dining room, a vibrant bar with a "Killer Burgers" neon sign, and an inviting ambiance, Francis positioned itself as a gathering place for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike.

Role
Tenant Representation, Site Selection, and Lease Negotiation

Opportunity & Challenges
As Francis prepared to expand beyond its original location, the team sought a neighborhood that aligned with its brand, customer base, and long-term growth strategy. After building a loyal following as a food truck, Francis was ready to establish its first permanent home. The challenge was finding a highly visible restaurant space that reflected the brand's personality, supported future growth, and allowed the team to transition successfully into brick-and-mortar operations.

Approach
Element identified the former Yai Sen Lek restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis as an ideal opportunity and guided Francis through site selection, lease negotiations, and the acquisition process. The team helped secure a space that aligned with the brand's vision while allowing for an efficient conversion into its first restaurant.

Results
→ Successfully secured Francis's first brick-and-mortar restaurant location
→ Repurposed a second-generation restaurant space for efficient opening
→ Helped transition the business from a successful food truck to a permanent restaurant
→ Established Francis in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis
→ Positioned the brand for continued growth and future expansion