This is a match made in heaven: two places designed to make us think about our place in the world and our role in our communities—coming together. Today, the Guthrie Theater and the nonprofit that owns and operates Owamni (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems/NATIFS) announced that the restaurant will move into the long-vacated restaurant space on the Guthrie’s main floor.
Photo by Dan Norman
Sea Change was in that spot starting in 2009, but closed during the pandemic and never reopened. Owamni will take over in spring of 2026.
“We couldn’t be more excited to make Owamni’s stage—a restaurant that showcases Indigenous cuisine—part of the Guthrie stages,” said Sean Sherman, chef, educator, author, activist, and founder of Owamni and NATIFS, in a statement.
Sherman said the Guthrie space doubles the size of the building Owamni is currently in. “Owamni means ‘falling water’ in the Dakota language, and we’re so glad to remain close to St. Anthony Falls, on the shores of the Mississippi, which is a source of great significance to the Dakota People.”
The Guthrie has struggled to find a tenant for the space over the past several years—despite the growth in the residential population in that bustling neighborhood. It’s a challenge: serve a busy pre-theater crowd and also try to get guests in there during the happy hour time, and then after 7 p.m.
“Our current building site was chosen more than 20 years ago for its meaningful connection to the river, and this new partnership will deepen that connection as we prepare to celebrate two decades in our building next year,” said Guthrie Artistic Director Joseph Haj in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to experience a one-of-a-kind destination that honors the significance of this setting and brings people together in exciting new ways.”
So what happens with the old space? It’s owned by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and Water Works Pavilion activated that space for the first time in decades. “We outgrew our original location almost from the moment we opened,” added Sherman. “The Guthrie space gives us the opportunity to share Indigenous cuisine with more diners, and we can’t wait to bring it to life.”
The lease expires in March and the plan is to start the move out process at that point. Owamni generated $5.6 million in revenue in 2024. Park Board restaurants like Owamni, Bread & Pickle, and Sea Salt pay rent as 12% of revenue, so that’s about $672,000 the Park Board will be looking to recapture with a new tenant.
