Small Business Spotlight: The Cabana Club, Celebrating Their 1-Year Anniversary on January 1

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The Mexico City cocktail features Campo Bravo silver tequila, Granja Nómada mezcal, Aperol, passionfruit, orange, black salt. 

The Cabana Club is prepping for their one-year anniversary – and you’ll want to be there at 201 SE Main Street for the party on January 1! Owners Krista Johnson, Jay Viskocil and Charlie Gibbs talked to us about their inspirations, top menu choices and how a lovely tropical restaurant can take us away – ever so briefly – from harsh outdoor weather. I can’t wait to try the jerk chicken!

From left to right - Jay, Krista and Charlie

Q:  You have been open for almost a year – congratulations on a successful first year. What was the original inspiration behind The Cabana Club, and how has that vision evolved since opening?

Jay:  We have been inspired by our travels and our love of Minneapolis and St. Anthony Main. Since our inception, we have seen our restaurant evolve into the neighborhood spot for many Southeast residents and not just a destination.

Charlie:  On top of our love for food and drink, traveling is a point of common ground for the three of us, and we figured why not have it all in one spot? I don't think it's changed all that much, if at all.

Krista:  Traveling is definitely the inspiration. We wanted to create a place where you can escape everyday life (especially the cold winter) and relax, enjoy the view, and reminisce about fond memories in faraway places. I believe we have stuck to that vision.

Q:  What gap do you feel The Cabana Club fills in the local dining scene?

Jay:  St. Anthony Main has had a need for more quality dining on the river in Minneapolis. We also bring a low-key Tiki vibe which is not seen anywhere else in the city.  

Charlie:  Minnesota winters are tough. We wanted to bring something that makes people feel like they're back on the beach of their favorite vacation, no matter what part of the world that vacation took place.

Krista:  In addition to a tropical place to escape with inspiration from around the globe, I also believe that each one of our staff bring a fun and engaging personality. They truly go above and beyond to make each guest have an experience and I think that can be hard to find in other establishments.  

Q:  What has surprised you most about being a partner-owner versus your previous hospitality positions?

Jay:  How much we truly value every single guest that walks in the door and how grateful we are for their patronage.

Charlie:  I'm sure this isn't entirely due to the fact we're partners/owners, we definitely got lucky with the team we've stumbled upon, but it seems everyone we work with genuinely wants to go the extra mile, and I think that might have something to do with the fact that we're all working side by side.

Krista:  The leadership aspect of being an owner that is on the floor and not above any task is incredibly rewarding. It has created such a positive culture. Plus, to be able to pause, look around during the chaos and be truly grateful for everything/everyone is priceless/invaluable.

Q:  What dish or drink feels the most “The Cabana Club” to you - and why?

Jay:  The Mexico City - it is such a well-balanced cocktail that is reminiscent of a day on vacation with quality, artisanal ingredients.

Charlie:  The Catch of the Day. Although the fish rotates, the dish is always fresh, vibrant, and tropical.

Krista:  The Victoria cocktail and the lemongrass wings - the Victoria is so beautiful and elegant. Plus, lemongrass is such a key flavor for us and the wings have the perfect amount of heat.

Above, the wings. Below, the Jerk Chicken dish consists of marinated leg & thigh, smashed yuca, mojo de ajo, cucumber salad, avocado.

Q:  What would you recommend that a first-time visitor order from the menu and why?

Jay:  The Jerk Chicken! Amazing seasoning and melt in your mouth tender.

Charlie:  Absolutely, it is the Jerk Chicken - it's a staple here, and it takes you straight to the Caribbean.

Krista:  Let’s make it three - Jerk Chicken - so flavorful and filling!

Q:  In what ways do you see The Cabana Club contributing to the neighborhood over the next few years?

Jay:  By being open all days of the week and being a part of the everyday life of our neighbors. We also look forward to being a part of community events when they arise and show our support to neighborhood organizations.

Charlie:  We intend to be a place for all walks of life to come out, feel safe, and enjoy themselves.

Krista:  We really want to focus on creating an experience with everything from happy hour to making a fun event out of "national whatever day." We want us to be the spot the community goes to celebrate, relax, and escape. We also hope the global influence and friendly service bring our diverse community together.

Q:  How do you stay inspired during the inevitable ups and downs of hospitality work?

Jay:  Our guests and our employees who are always so excited to be here.

Charlie:  Traveling and trying new things. Learning about an ingredient you didn't know existed is a key to breaking the menu-writer's block.

Krista:  Hearing the stories of our guests - especially those visiting from out of town, or staying in touch with the lives of our regulars. I love connecting with people and listening to their experiences. Plus, our staff is so much fun, it's hard not to enjoy being here.

Q:  Are there collaborations, events or menu expansions you’re excited about?

ALL:  Our one-year Anniversary party on January 1st! We are hosting a drag brunch in the morning and having a DJ at night, with happy hour offered in the evening. Also, being a part of the Great Northern Festival at the end of January.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  All the social media channels - Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and our website.

From the patio, guests looks across the Mississippi to the Mill District.