5036 France Ave., Site Plan and Variance

I have been a resident and business owner in the 50th & France area for 40 years. I am also a regular patron of the restaurant tenant at this location. I fully support this concept and request as it will add significantly to the neighborhood and is only a positive. This should be an absolute yes by the City of Edina.

Edina City Council: I’m writing to express support for Ryan Burnet’s variance application at 5036 France Ave.
My name is Jerry O’Brien, the CEO of O’Brien-Staley Partners and an Edina resident for over 30 years.
I also represent the investment partnership that owns our office building at 5050 France and related parking lot.

As you are aware, 50/France has been hit by a series of bad news from repeated road closures, loss of street parking, and over-scaled bus platforms, all contributing to the loss of numerous beloved cafes that give the neighborhood its unique charm.
I have seen Ryan’s proposed renovation renderings and believe it will enhance our block as well as 50th/ France holistically without being indefinitely vacant or worse yet, another government-stimulated 6-story residential property.
Ryan and I are working through the final stages of a parking agreement to ensure that our office workers have parking during the business day and that his restaurant has ample space to use valet in the evening.
I’m confident we will reach a mutually beneficial solution.

Thank you for considering my personal point of view and for your devotion to our community.

Jerry O’Brien

(Email submitted to City staff)

Hi, this is Kari Alldredge and my address is 5000 France Avenue, unit 27. I'm calling about the proposal for, the 1508 sq. ft. of additional square footage at the Barrio restaurant site. I just wanted to say that I am supportive of that development. I understand that the variance is because there isn't sufficient off street parking for the added space, but I think that parking in the evening in the Edina ramp will be more than sufficient. I think the development will be a great addition to the 50th & France area and I'm very excited about the restaurant proposal. So I just wanted to let you know about our support. Thank you. (Voicemail received 9/15/25 at 11:01 AM. Transcribed by City Staff)

Hi Addison, My name is Peter Campbell. I’m the Chef/Owner of a restaurant called Red Wagon Pizza Company and while I’m not in Edina, I think the community at large that bridges France Avenue kind of eeks into my neighborhood quite a bit. I am in full support of the project plan for 5036 France Avenue. In fact, I’m excited to see it coming before City Council this evening. I’m sorry I’m not able to make it over there to support this; I’m being pulled away to the restaurant, so I cannot attend. I wanted to call and leave a message. I think we’re in a time right now where so many restaurants, institutions, are closing left and right and these gathering spaces, we need them to stick around, and they need to be reinvented from time to time, so I think that this development is a gift for the intersection. I’m not sure, I think Edina Grill is on their way out now too. There are so many restaurants that are closing for various reasons and this is a shining light of development and excitement for the community and I think it’s a great thing, as I was excited about all the other restaurants that have opened up around there, including Mothership. So thrilled Mothership is there. We all do better together. I hope this gets passed and moves on to the next step in the process. Thank you.
(Voicemail received 9/10/25 at 5:00 PM Transcribed by City Staff)

As an Edina homeowner and resident of the 50th & France area, I wanted to express strong support for the proposed project and its variance. We’ve already seen two restaurant closures in the neighborhood…we do not need a third. This project is vital to keeping the area vibrant, active, and welcoming. My family and our entire neighborhood (Country Club) absolutely love this part of the city and believe this development will be exceptionally additive to 50th & France. Thank you all for everything you do for Edina! Thanks for Your Consideration, David Saber, Park State Bank CEO (Received September 11, 2025, 10:21 PM. Entered by City Staff)

I am in great support of this project! As a business manager in the 50th & France shopping district, restaurants like this bring new traffic and excitement to the neighborhood. I think this will be an incredible addition to the neighborhood and another place for the community to gather for meals, celebrations and events! The addition is stunning and we can't wait to see it!

I live in the area and support this variance, I think it will be great for Edina!

I welcome this development project. The addition of another great restaurant by this hospitality group will be a great addition and only enhance the 50th and France neighborhood. The design of the second story is striking and will add an interesting architectural element to the landscape. I am positive this restaurant will be a welcome addition to the area and a draw to bring customers into the area.

I am in favor of the variance. I think the new restaurant concept would be a welcome edition to the 50th & France area.

I support this variance/project because im concerned about so many restaurants closing in the area and this restaurant group will revitalize the area.

I serve as Director of the 50th & France Business Association representing 150 businesses at the intersection of 50th & France. I would like to voice our strong support for the proposed Americana restaurant by Ryan Burnet and Daniel del Prado. This project will bring the fresh energy and vitality our district needs. An impeccably designed restaurant, open after 5 p.m. when many of our shops and services close, will make excellent use of existing resources including 1,000 free nearby parking spots available in the South, Center and North ramps, secured valet service, enhanced Metro Transit E-Line access, bike racks and popular ride-sharing options. Americana will not only draw new visitors, but also generate foot traffic that supports our small businesses and reinforces 50th & France as the vibrant, walkable destination our community treasures. We respectfully urge your support of this project. Thank you!
-Rebecca Sorensen

I am a frequent visitor to this area and am in full support of this project. The design is vibrant and will help enhance this beautiful area, and the building will continue to function as a restaurant to continue to benefit everyone in the area. I see no downsides.

I am a resident at 50th & France and am thrilled to support this exciting project & variance to enhance the neighborhood further!

I confidently support this project & variance. The vibrant, innovative design will create a unique destination on 50th & France. Please strongly consider approving the site plan. Parking doesn’t concern me - there are many options.

I support this variance/project because I believe it will help serve as a catalyst to attract other leading restauranteurs to the area that will help create a stronger sense of “destination” for fun and dining,

As an Edina property owner, I find the closing of so many restaurants at 50th & France concerning. I would like you to know that I fully support the arboretum / solarium on top of the Barrio building. It will bring vitality to the 50th & France area that is witnessing the closure of many restaurants in the area. Please do whatever you can to approve their variance. Thanks, Steve Young with Arbor Commercial Group (Received September 8, 2025, 3:15 PM. Entered by City Staff)

We were excited to hear the news that Barrio on 50th and France will be converting to Americana with a refreshing face-lift. As business owners in Edina, we have been concerned by the recent closures of several restaurants along France Avenue. The introduction of Americana’s design and concept will re-invigorate what many consider the crown jewel block of our city, bringing new energy and helping to attract tenants for neighboring spaces left vacant by departing businesses. A fully occupied, thriving block not only conveys the strength of our business district but also reflects the vitality of Edina as a whole. This project represents more than just a new restaurant—it is an opportunity to draw new visitors, encourage people to spend more time in the district, and strengthen the ecosystem of independently owned restaurants and retailers that define 50th & France. For the small businesses that have weathered years of challenges—from the pandemic to construction disruptions—this kind of anchor tenant is essential to building long-term stability and momentum. We fully support Americana’s plans, and we are confident that the operators will be an asset to the Edina business community and a benefit to all of the city’s residents. Their investment signals confidence in Edina’s future, and we believe it will inspire further growth and success for our district. Sincerely, Tommy and Carrie Begnaud, Owners of Mr. Paul’s Supper Club, and Mothership Pizza Paradise (Received September 6, 2025 12:59 PM. Entered by City Staff)

I support this variance/project because it will add value to the area, provide a fresh option for dining, and contribute to keeping the neighborhood vibrant. I do not see the parking as an issue!

I am writing to express my excitement about the news that Danny Del Prado is developing a restaurant in the old Barrio space at 50th and France. The Americana concept that has been described in the press will be an electrifying addition to the trading area. As a business owner nearby, the turmoil at and around the intersection has been very concerning. This is why we are extremely fortunate that Danny Del Prado, arguably the hottest restaurateur in the Twin Cities, has committed to a project that will restore luster to the trading area and act as a magnet for new tenants. I am an enthusiastic supporter of his plans and design and know that the business he builds will add to the vibrancy of the area and enhance our quality of life in Edina. Thank you for your consideration. -Paul Smith, D’Amico (Received September 5, 2025 1:38 PM. Entered by City Staff)

I’m writing in support of the proposed restaurant project at 5036 France Ave. S. The intersection has long been a cornerstone of our community… a place where people meet, linger, and spend time together. Adding a thoughtfully designed restaurant with rooftop seating will only add to its vitality. It will bring foot traffic to neighboring businesses and strengthen the identity of 50th and France as a unique and desirable destination. We’ve all seen the challenges retail districts like ours have faced in recent years, and will continue to face in the years ahead. Supporting projects like this is one of the ways we can ensure our district continues to thrive. With this kind of unique investment and design, it’s easy to imagine people continuing to choose 50th and France over the other options. They'll come, walk around, shop, dine, and contribute to our local economy. I urge you to support this project and to help bring it to life. Sincerely, Joseph Rueter, Vivront Knife Shop (Received September 10, 2025 3:06 PM. Entered by City Staff)