Celebrity Chef Justin Sutherland and Restore Restaurant Holdings Revive Pearl & The Thief

Opening in Sherman Associates’ O2 Luxury Tower in the Mill District this fall, along with Sutherland’s third location of Big E

{MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, June 4, 2024}—Sherman Associates, Justin Sutherland, and Restore Restaurant Holdings announce Pearl & the Thief as the next prominent restaurant to enter the Mill District along Washington Avenue, located in the O2 Luxury Tower at 250 Portland Avenue in Minneapolis.

Pearl & the Thief is Sutherland’s award-winning restaurant previously located in Stillwater and known for its seafood and southern fare. Its new location will serve as a destination dining experience for the Mill District with an exceptional culinary experience and captivating atmosphere. Pearl & the Thief patrons will also enjoy a high-end whiskey bar, craft cocktails, and approximately 2,000 SF of outdoor patio space on the corner of Washington Avenue and Portland Avenue.

“I am beyond excited to partner with Restore Restaurant Holdings and Sherman Associates to bring Pearl & the Thief back to life in Minneapolis. It is hands down my favorite concept I’ve created, and I have been patiently waiting for the right time, location, and partners to make it a reality once again,” said Justin Sutherland. “I am especially excited for the opportunity to collaborate with Chef Vincent who is a staple and visionary in the Twin Cities dining scene. The menu will revive some of the fan favorites like the Tennessee Hot Octopus and Smoked Crab Risotto, as well as some new dishes that I’ve been waiting to share for years. After spending the last few years traveling and cooking alongside some of the greatest chefs in the world I have been truly inspired and can’t wait to get back to leading a kitchen.”

Restore, featuring Chef Vincent Francoual, is leading the charge with Mill District restaurants including Chloe by Vincent and Eato. Sutherland in partnership with Restore will produce a unique menu for Pearl & the Thief that is jointly curated by two renowned chefs.

"Restore Restaurant Holdings is excited to partner with Justin Sutherland in bringing back Pearl & the Thief. This represents our ongoing partnership with Sherman Associates and we're excited to deliver another prominent restaurant to the Mill District and Minneapolis,” said Matt Monroe, CEO & Co-Owner of Restore Restaurant Holdings. “It has been our vision to create a dining destination within the Mill District and reaching that reality we look forward to serving our clientele and having continued growth here.”

Sutherland’s Big E sandwich shop specializes in egg sandwiches for breakfast and lunch with locations in St. Paul and Portland. The third location in O2 will be located on Washington Avenue.

Pearl & the Thief and Big E will occupy approximately 5,000 SF at the street level of O2 Luxury Tower, developed and operated by Sherman, and both will serve as exclusive amenities to residents living at O2 as well as residents, working professionals, and visitors of the Mill District, providing new options for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.

Sutherland is a former Top Chef contestant, Iron Chef America winner, and Fast Foodies cohost. His other restaurants include Northern Soul with locations at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and The Preserve at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, and the recently announced Golden Thyme Coffee and Café in St. Paul.

"Sherman Associates is thrilled to continue its partnership with Restore Restaurant Holdings and now with Justin Sutherland. We’ve brought six restaurants into the neighborhood over the last two years making the Mill District a destination for people to not only live and work, but for residents, workers, and visitors to experience dining and entertainment,” said Ben Kepple, Director of Commercial Operations at Sherman Associates. “We are grateful for our partnerships with Restore, Justin Sutherland, and with many others whose creativity and commitment have made enriching this neighborhood possible."

Sherman’s other restaurant tenants in the Mill District include Umbra and Chloe by Vincent as well as Mother Dough and La Madre both opening this fall. They benefit from a well-integrated customer base provided by Sherman’s substantial multifamily and hospitality portfolio in the Mill District including Ladder 260, Encore, The Vicinity, East End, and O2 opening early this fall; and guests staying at Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District and Aloft hotels, as well as Sherman’s corporate headquarters in the J.I. Case Building.

Stay updated by following Justin Sutherland on Instagram. Live above Pearl & the Thief and Big E at O2 Luxury Tower, now preleasing.

Sherman Associates

Sherman Associates (Sherman-Associates.com) is a growing commercial real estate development and management firm based in Minneapolis with properties throughout the Midwest, Colorado, and Florida. Sherman develops, owns, and operates its assets with a long-term vision to build neighborhoods, enrich communities, and empower people.

Sherman Associates has developed over 12,000 multifamily units and currently owns and manages over 7,000 multifamily rental units (affordable and market-rate). Sherman also owns and manages over 720,000 square feet of commercial space, five hotels, four Starbucks, three restaurants, and two solar gardens. Stay connected with Sherman on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook.