Travail Collective has made some big moves in the Twin Cities’ culinary scene over the last few years, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon. The Minneapolis-based hospitality group behind Graze Food Hall by Travail, ie by Travail, and Travail Kitchen and Amusements, and more recently announced its revitalization of Pig Ate My Pizza, a well-loved pizza joint in Robbinsdale—plus a brand-new Bloomington location to come this fall.
Courtesy of Pig Ate My Pizza
The restaurant’s first Robbinsdale location opened in 2013, focused on creating inventive, delicious pizzas in a pub setting. In 2019, the team added Nouvelle Brewing to the operation and introduced a beer program headed by Andy Goettsch (chef de cuisine at Travail, director of operations at Pig Ate My Pizza). In an effort to focus more on the brewing side, the restaurant pivoted in January 2022 and rebranded as Nouvelle Kitchen & Brewery, featuring 23 rotating taps, Pig Ate My Pizza pies, and bar fare.
“This project feels like a full-circle moment for us,” says Mike Brown, chef-owner of Pig Ate My Pizza and Nouvelle Brewing, in a statement. “We launched Pig Ate My Pizza in 2013 as a chef-driven grindhouse pizzeria with Andy Goettsch and deep ties to local breweries, and that spirit still drives us today.”
With a revamped service style, Nouvelle Kitchen & Brewery has now transitioned back into the original Pig Ate My Pizza concept. Its new hybrid service experience will combine table service with flexible QR code ordering, and guests can look forward to the return of several fan-favorite pizzas—like the smoky, barbecue-inspired “Ray Charles”—as well as several new flavors.
The menu will also feature pastas, salads, smash burgers, and ice cream cups and pints from Dream Creamery (another Travail Collective spot), plus a refreshed craft cocktail list and a variety of small-batch Nouvelle beers.
In addition to the reopening, a second location Pig Ate My Pizza location in Bloomington is slated to open this fall. The new space will seat 90 guests indoors and an additional 90 on the partially-covered patio.
Courtesy of Pig Ate My Pizza
“With the Bloomington location, we’re excited to bring our playful take on pizza, progressive bar fare, and house-brewed beer to a new community. This brand has always been about connection and community, and we’re thrilled to continue that legacy in Bloomington,” says Brown in the statement.
As for the future of Nouvelle Brewing, Goettsch says its full beer lineup will expand to the Bloomington location, and the brewery will continue to ramp up production on its three-and-a-half-barrel system in Robbinsdale to serve both taprooms. “Distribution isn’t part of our model, so this second location gives more guests direct access to our beer. Just like in Robbinsdale, the Bloomington taproom will exclusively pour Nouvelle beers, with 16 taps, including some fun local collaborations,” says Goettsch in the statement.
For more information, visit pigatemypizza.com or follow the restaurant on Instagram.
