Arch and River Selected as New Restaurant at Water Works Pavilion
Monday, April 20, 2026 at 12:16PM
French bistronomie with Afro-Caribbean twist will serve both sweet and savory items beginning this summer next to Stone Arch Bridge
Arch and River has been selected as the new vendor to operate out of Water Works Pavilion, 425 West River Parkway. They will take over the space being vacated by Owamni in the park building that opened in 2021 next to the Stone Arch Bridge on the downtown Minneapolis riverfront. Owamni is rebranding to Indígena by Owamni and moving to the former Sea Change space in the Guthrie.
Arch and River is a modern French bistronomie with an Afro-Carribbean twist. They plan to serve delicious cuisine throughout the day, including gourmet coffee and pastries in the morning, weekend brunch, lunch, teatime and a goûter throughout the afternoon, plus dinner and a charming dessert bar experience in the evenings. Beer, cider and wine will be available to enjoy inside Water Works Pavilion or outside while lounging on multiple riverside patio spaces.
Water Works Pavilion offers a cozy environment with an open kitchen concept amidst beautifully uncovered riverfront mill remnants, with sweeping views of the Mississippi River and bustling parks and trails. The dining concept is built around a healthy-yet-gourmet menu suitable for different lifestyles, including options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free customers.
Diane Moukouri and Fritz Ebanda in front of the stairs leading up to the new Arch and River space coming to Water Works Pavilion. Photo credit Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
This new restaurant concept was created by the team behind B’beri Desserts, located less than two miles from Water Works in Alliance Française of Minneapolis. Owner Diane Moukouri and her husband, Executive Chef Fritz Ebanda, built their business from a popular delivery service to a farmers market favorite to a beloved neighborhood spot. Now they’re expanding into an iconic park location that welcomes millions of visitors each year.
Arch and River was chosen by a panel of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff after a Request for Proposals was issued in December. A five-year concessions agreement through 2031 is up for consideration by MPRB Commissioners at their April 29 meeting.
More details will be shared as summer approaches. Follow Arch and River on Instagram and Facebook for updates!
