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5036 France Property, LLC is proposing a partial second story addition to the building at 5036 France Avenue (Cocina Del Barrio Restaurant). The addition is approximately 1,508 square feet of gross floor area. The building is proposed to continue to be used as a restaurant. There is no off-street parking existing or proposed on the property. Businesses in the 50th & France area may rely on the City's public parking ramps up to a floor area ratio of 1.0 before additional off-street parking must be provided. With the proposed addition, the floor area ratio is approximately 1.2, which results in approximately 14 parking stalls being required. Plans are available under the "Documents" section of this page.
The request requires the following:
Site Plan Review.
Variance from Section 36-1311 and 36-1312 to allow floor area ratio of approximately 1.2 without providing additional off-street parking spaces where a floor area ratio up to 1.0 is allowed before additional off-street parking spaces must be provided. The proposal results in a parking stall variance of approximately 14 stalls.
5036 France Property, LLC is proposing a partial second story addition to the building at 5036 France Avenue (Cocina Del Barrio Restaurant). The addition is approximately 1,508 square feet of gross floor area. The building is proposed to continue to be used as a restaurant. There is no off-street parking existing or proposed on the property. Businesses in the 50th & France area may rely on the City's public parking ramps up to a floor area ratio of 1.0 before additional off-street parking must be provided. With the proposed addition, the floor area ratio is approximately 1.2, which results in approximately 14 parking stalls being required. Plans are available under the "Documents" section of this page.
The request requires the following:
Site Plan Review.
Variance from Section 36-1311 and 36-1312 to allow floor area ratio of approximately 1.2 without providing additional off-street parking spaces where a floor area ratio up to 1.0 is allowed before additional off-street parking spaces must be provided. The proposal results in a parking stall variance of approximately 14 stalls.
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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)
Liz Olson
3 minutes ago
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)
Liz Olson
5 minutes ago
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!
avacatherineswanson22
5 minutes ago
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)
Liz Olson
7 minutes ago
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)
Liz Olson
11 minutes ago
Dear City of Edina Mayor Hovland, Council Members, Planning Commission Members, and Staff, It has come to our attention that Ryan Burnet and team are planning a restaurant to replace Barrio at 50th & France. We are pleased that Ryan is considering an investment of the magnitude proposed for our 50th & France community. We support the atrium rooftop addition in particular. We believe it adds something of significant differentiation and a reason to come to the area to dine, live, enjoy, invest, and appreciate as a destination. I represent Lunds & Byerlys (retail), Lund Real Estate Holdings (land/building owner 50th & France), and LA Real Estate Group (land/building owner 50th & France) in support of the proposed building and restaurant. I’m happy to discuss at your convenience and look forward to a continued bright 50th & France future! Appreciatively, Mitch Avery (Received September 9, 2025 3:33 PM. Entered by City Staff)
Liz Olson
13 minutes ago
Hello City Staff, City Council and Mayor. My name is Andy Gatchell and I am an Edina resident. I’m writing in support of the proposed redevelopment of the building at 5036 France Ave. I am strongly in favor of this project and its variance. I have been a Commercial Real Estate professional for 20 years and that informs my conviction that the plan for this project is the right thing for the city to approve. With the loss of two other adjacent restaurants recently, we do not need a 3rd in this beloved Edina corridor. Further, the rooftop addition to the property will enhance the 50th & France corridor and add another unique value-add benefit to the area. It will position the property and the corridor to remain best-in-class and compete with other parts of the city. I am personally excited to not only dine at the restaurant, but steer private client events to this new rooftop space in Edina once the project is complete. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. Best, Andy Gatchell (Received September 10, 2025 12:09 PM. Entered by City Staff)
Liz Olson
18 minutes ago
I support this variance and believe it’s great for 50th and France. There is plenty of parking especially considering how walkable 50th and France is. I almost always walk when visiting the local shops and restaurants there.
Jeff L
about 2 hours ago
I grew up in the Golf Terrace Heights neighborhood of Edina, and am now a resident of Southwest Minneapolis, so I have been a frequent visitor of the 50th & France area my entire life. Whether driving or biking to the area, I have very rarely encountered an issue with parking, given the public ramp access and plenty of nearby street parking. I am SO incredibly excited that the Del Prado group is investing in this area. They have a reputation for top notch service, food/drink, and all-around dining experience, which I believe will absolutely thrive in this neighborhood. Huge win for 50th & France, as well as us Southwest Mpls residents nearby! You’ll be seeing more of me!
lindseyj
about 4 hours ago
I am in flavor of the variance for proposed site. The restaurant would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I do not see any difficulties as a result of the renovation.
Jenny F
about 6 hours ago
Shannon Evenstad. I don’t live in Edina, but I visit weekly. I believe this variance should be granted. A DDP restaurant is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood, especially this one. The Innovative and exciting design of the upper level atrium will be an attractive option year-round. With other restaurants in the area closing, this will be fantastic. The impact on parking is a non-issue with the ramp right behind.
Sevenstad
about 6 hours ago
I live and work near 50th and France and think this will be an AMAZING addition to the community. I support this variance and hope you do too!
mjenquin
about 6 hours ago
I support this variance and believe it’s great for 50th and France.
Ebigham
about 7 hours ago
It's been super sad to see many of the restaurants at 50th and France close. As a person that works in the area, I think it's really important to have a vibrant restaurant community for folks to go to after they shop or before they attend a movie. Restaurants bring people together, and bring more people to the area. I hope you support this variance; I think it'll do a lot of good for the community!
Norswede
about 7 hours ago
What a great plan! Bumbershute would be excited to welcome you to our neighborhood!
Bumbershute
about 8 hours ago
As somebody who grew up in Morningside, now lives just across the border in Minneapolis, and frequents the area for errands, exercise, and dining alike — I can’t think of a better concept to join the neighborhood. Parking is not a concern. I use this ramp several times a week. Additionally there are other ramps available in the 50th & France neighborhood, with plenty of free street parking. In my opinion, the community should be thrilled to be replacing one restaurant with another… I know I am! It would be a loss to lose a dining option, but to have another DDP spot is a win. The area is continuing to evolve and DDP’s new concept is only going to uplift the evolving neighborhood experience — regardless of how you pull up. I might only point out that another handicap parking spot or two could be beneficial to those with differing abilities.
I enthusiastically support the project and what it can do for Edina!
Cebjerke
about 8 hours ago
I support this variance and think this restaurant is great for 50th and France!
Claire D
about 8 hours ago
I used to live in Edina, attend church and sports in the city and have seen it flourish over the past 20+ years. I'm a still frequent visitor to Edina and dine and shop in the area where this restaurant is planned. I fully support this restaurant project because this restaurant group is the best in the MSP metro area and they always do it right. It's a beautiful building plan that will only enhance the vibrancy of 50th and France area. We should be lifting up local entrepreneurs that have solid business plans and clear commitments to the local community, like this restaurant group.
PagetP
about 8 hours ago
This new project will be such a great addition to the 50th and France area.
AS952
about 8 hours ago
Hello, my name is Bridget, and I'm calling about the new restaurant at 5036 France. My family and I live in the neighborhood and I've recently noticed that our restaurants are leaving, so we're very much in support of this. We think it will keep our neighborhood vibrant as well as, you know, bring additional people there to enjoy it. So again, very much in support. Thank you. (Voicemail received 9/10/25 at 10:39 AM. Transcribed by City Staff)
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)
Dear City of Edina Mayor Hovland, Council Members, Planning Commission Members, and Staff, It has come to our attention that Ryan Burnet and team are planning a restaurant to replace Barrio at 50th & France. We are pleased that Ryan is considering an investment of the magnitude proposed for our 50th & France community. We support the atrium rooftop addition in particular. We believe it adds something of significant differentiation and a reason to come to the area to dine, live, enjoy, invest, and appreciate as a destination. I represent Lunds & Byerlys (retail), Lund Real Estate Holdings (land/building owner 50th & France), and LA Real Estate Group (land/building owner 50th & France) in support of the proposed building and restaurant. I’m happy to discuss at your convenience and look forward to a continued bright 50th & France future! Appreciatively, Mitch Avery (Received September 9, 2025 3:33 PM. Entered by City Staff)
Hello City Staff, City Council and Mayor. My name is Andy Gatchell and I am an Edina resident. I’m writing in support of the proposed redevelopment of the building at 5036 France Ave. I am strongly in favor of this project and its variance. I have been a Commercial Real Estate professional for 20 years and that informs my conviction that the plan for this project is the right thing for the city to approve. With the loss of two other adjacent restaurants recently, we do not need a 3rd in this beloved Edina corridor. Further, the rooftop addition to the property will enhance the 50th & France corridor and add another unique value-add benefit to the area. It will position the property and the corridor to remain best-in-class and compete with other parts of the city. I am personally excited to not only dine at the restaurant, but steer private client events to this new rooftop space in Edina once the project is complete. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. Best, Andy Gatchell (Received September 10, 2025 12:09 PM. Entered by City Staff)
I support this variance and believe it’s great for 50th and France. There is plenty of parking especially considering how walkable 50th and France is. I almost always walk when visiting the local shops and restaurants there.
I grew up in the Golf Terrace Heights neighborhood of Edina, and am now a resident of Southwest Minneapolis, so I have been a frequent visitor of the 50th & France area my entire life. Whether driving or biking to the area, I have very rarely encountered an issue with parking, given the public ramp access and plenty of nearby street parking. I am SO incredibly excited that the Del Prado group is investing in this area. They have a reputation for top notch service, food/drink, and all-around dining experience, which I believe will absolutely thrive in this neighborhood. Huge win for 50th & France, as well as us Southwest Mpls residents nearby! You’ll be seeing more of me!
I am in flavor of the variance for proposed site. The restaurant would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I do not see any difficulties as a result of the renovation.
Shannon Evenstad. I don’t live in Edina, but I visit weekly. I believe this variance should be granted. A DDP restaurant is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood, especially this one. The Innovative and exciting design of the upper level atrium will be an attractive option year-round. With other restaurants in the area closing, this will be fantastic. The impact on parking is a non-issue with the ramp right behind.
I live and work near 50th and France and think this will be an AMAZING addition to the community. I support this variance and hope you do too!
I support this variance and believe it’s great for 50th and France.
It's been super sad to see many of the restaurants at 50th and France close. As a person that works in the area, I think it's really important to have a vibrant restaurant community for folks to go to after they shop or before they attend a movie. Restaurants bring people together, and bring more people to the area. I hope you support this variance; I think it'll do a lot of good for the community!
What a great plan! Bumbershute would be excited to welcome you to our neighborhood!
As somebody who grew up in Morningside, now lives just across the border in Minneapolis, and frequents the area for errands, exercise, and dining alike — I can’t think of a better concept to join the neighborhood. Parking is not a concern. I use this ramp several times a week. Additionally there are other ramps available in the 50th & France neighborhood, with plenty of free street parking. In my opinion, the community should be thrilled to be replacing one restaurant with another… I know I am! It would be a loss to lose a dining option, but to have another DDP spot is a win. The area is continuing to evolve and DDP’s new concept is only going to uplift the evolving neighborhood experience — regardless of how you pull up. I might only point out that another handicap parking spot or two could be beneficial to those with differing abilities.
I enthusiastically support the project and what it can do for Edina!
I support this variance and think this restaurant is great for 50th and France!
I used to live in Edina, attend church and sports in the city and have seen it flourish over the past 20+ years. I'm a still frequent visitor to Edina and dine and shop in the area where this restaurant is planned. I fully support this restaurant project because this restaurant group is the best in the MSP metro area and they always do it right. It's a beautiful building plan that will only enhance the vibrancy of 50th and France area. We should be lifting up local entrepreneurs that have solid business plans and clear commitments to the local community, like this restaurant group.
This new project will be such a great addition to the 50th and France area.
Hello, my name is Bridget, and I'm calling about the new restaurant at 5036 France. My family and I live in the neighborhood and I've recently noticed that our restaurants are leaving, so we're very much in support of this. We think it will keep our neighborhood vibrant as well as, you know, bring additional people there to enjoy it. So again, very much in support. Thank you. (Voicemail received 9/10/25 at 10:39 AM. Transcribed by City Staff)