Francis East Lake

In November 2024, Francis expanded its plant-based burger empire with the opening of a second brick-and-mortar location at the corner of East Lake Street and 39th Avenue in the Longfellow neighborhood. This new space, formerly home to Peppers & Fries, was secured with the expert assistance of Element’s Aaron Meyers, showcasing a continued partnership between Francis and Element.

Role
Tenant Representation, Site Selection, Acquisition, 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. The challenge was identifying a highly visible, second-generation restaurant space that minimized startup costs while providing the right atmosphere to support continued success.

Approach
Element evaluated market opportunities and identified the former Peppers & Fries location in the Longfellow neighborhood as an ideal fit. The team guided the acquisition process, negotiated lease terms, and helped secure a location that allowed Francis to build on its established reputation while expanding into a vibrant, community-focused corridor.

Results
→ Successfully secured Francis's second brick-and-mortar restaurant location, building on the success of their flagship location in Northeast Minneapolis
→ Identified a turnkey second-generation restaurant space to support efficient expansion, mirroring the welcoming energy and inventive menu that earned Francis recognition, including a #19 spot on Yelp’s list of the 100 Best Vegan Restaurants.
→ Expanded the award-winning brand into Minneapolis' Longfellow neighborhood
→ Positioned the restaurant along the revitalized East Lake Street corridor
→ Supported the continued growth of one of the Twin Cities' most recognized plant-based restaurant concepts

Francis’s journey from a food truck to two thriving restaurants highlights their dedication to delicious, plant-based dining and creating community-centered spaces. The Longfellow expansion reinforces their role as a leader in the vegan dining scene, inviting everyone to enjoy their beloved offerings. Follow their story on Instagram @francisburgerjoint and join them to see why Francis is a staple in Minneapolis.