To help our Highland businesses during this challenging time, the Highland District Council is starting a new “Business of the Month” program. Every few months, we’ll profile a different business.

The October/November Featured Business is Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant, which opened in 2017. They are a sit down restaurant, but also have takeout.

We recently spoke with Tsegereda Chernet, who owns Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant with Konjit Kedane.

Tell us about yourself:

I was born and raised in Ethiopia and came to the United States twelve years ago. I started my first job as a server at bar and restaurant in MSP airport. It has been my dream to run my own business since I was a child. Today I am running my own restaurant with my partner Konjit Kedane, who is also Ethiopian.

Tell us about your business:

We opened the business in 2017. We mainly serve Ethiopian dishes plus some others foods and wine and liquor. We have a mini sport bar where our customers can watch live matches and play games. We also have a special room for meetings, birthday parties, baby showers and other events.

How has your business changed because of COVID-19?

COVID-19 has affected our business very badly. From early March to the middle of May (during the lockdown period) we were only serving to-go foods and making 25% of our usual sales. We reopened in late May and are working very hard to protect our customers and ourselves. We have reduced the number of seats in the restaurant and are serving less than half of our usual customers. We are struggling financially because of COVID-19.

Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant
Address: 2585 7th St. W., St Paul, MN 55116

https://www.facebook.com/agelgilrestaurant/

Hours: Everyday 10 am – midnight

Promotion: $5 off for the first 40 people who mention the Highland District Council or the promotion.

To help our Highland businesses during this challenging time, the Highland District Council is starting a new “Business of the Month” program. Each month, we’ll profile a different business.

The August Business of the Month is La Cocina de Ana, which opened in 2019 and celebrated its one-year anniversary in August. They are a take-and-bake style establishment.

We recently spoke with Ana Rayas, who owns La Cocina de Ana with her husband Luis, to learn more about her restaurant.

Tell us about yourself:

I was born in Mexico. I’ve always loved to prepare traditional Mexican meals for my friends and family.

This love of cooking was the inspiration for “La Cocina de Ana”, meaning “Ana’s Kitchen”.

Tell us about your business:

Our dishes are prepared daily with high quality ingredients and no preservatives or fillers. All dishes are prepared fresh using recipes and ingredients found in Mexican home kitchens. They are ready for you to warm up at home at your convenience.

We specialize in providing several vegan options, including vegan main dishes upon request. We are currently creating various types of tamales. Tamales can be made to order with at least four days notice, as it is a time-consuming dish to make by hand, or call ahead to see if we have any extras made that may be available. These are made with various fillings including our cashew cheese which is made in-house. We pride ourselves in these recipes we have developed and honed for folks to enjoy.

Our dishes are packaged in aluminum trays so all you need to do is place them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size.

Do you accommodate special requests?

Yes. Call in advance and we will make sure we have your request available.

How has your business changed because of COVID-19?

We’ve actually noticed more people coming in to get our heat-and-serve food, which is a good option instead of going to a restaurant and eating with restrictions.

When are you open?

We are open 11-7pm Monday through Saturday for lunch, dinner and dessert. We accept phone and Internet orders and offer catering.

La Cocina De Ana
Address: 2559 West 7th Street and Woodsworth, Saint Paul.
Contact info: 651-202-3251
Hours: 11 a.m. through 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday

Visit their website www.cocinadeana.com to find their online menu. They are on Twitter and Facebook, too.

Promotion: One free small order of Arroz con Maiz (V) / Mexican Rice with Corn with the purchase of any main dish for the first 35 people who mention the HDC or the promotion.

Road Closure

Beginning August 10^th at 7a.m., both lanes of Mississippi River Boulevard(MRB) to Hidden Falls Drive will be closed to all automobile traffic for construction work related to the former Ford site, now known as Highland Bridge. The proposed detour utilizes Cleveland from the MRB/Cleveland intersection north. MRB is expected to be closed until September 18^th at 7 am.  The bike trails will remain open and there will still be access to the scenic overlook.  Maintenance workers will continue to have access to the hydro-plant.   This closure is 24 hours a day with no exceptions.

Find out more and view the virtual ground breaking here

“The Highland District Council is looking for a dedicated person to serve as our Communication and Outreach Coordinator. This position is the perfect role for a community member who is looking for ongoing part-time work (10-12 hours per week) and enjoys communicating with the people of the Highland Park neighborhood. Take a look at the job description… we’d love to hear from you. Interested applicants can apply at https://www.highlanddistrictcouncil.org/help-wanted-communications-and-outreach-coordinator/  .”

The realignment of Lexington Parkway is starting July 6th.  Lexington Parkway will be closed between Montreal and Albion. There will be a similar detour as in place now from Montreal to Snelling to Randolph. 

Complete Project Information

The Macalester-Groveland Community Council,  Highland District Council and Highland Business Association  are teaming up to host a fundraiser to support the volunteers and organizations responding to recently increased food deserts and ongoing COVID-19 efforts in the Twin Cities communities.

Donate to help provide PPE to community members and food drive volunteers!
Donate to help purchase nutritious food!
Donate to help purchase hygiene necessities for children, elders, and adults!

The Minnesota Department of Commerce stands ready to assist business owners, property owners and renters in your community that experienced property damage or loss.

Attached please find two documents, one for business owners and one for residential property owners and renters, that contains information on making and filing insurance claims on damaged property. Commerce is committed to providing information for people in your community can access relief as quickly as possible and avoid scammers who may attempt to take advantage of the situation. Please share these with your email lists or newsletters as needed.

The Department of Commerce’s Consumer Services Center (CSC) helps consumers with questions, concerns, or complaints involving insurance claims. The CSC can help consumers understand their rights, work with their insurer to settle a claim, and help Minnesotans make informed insurance decisions.

The CSC can be reached by phone at (651) 539-1600 or by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Leah Wilkes at  leah.wilkes@state.mn.us with any questions.

Residential Property Owner or Renter Tips

Business insurance claim tips

There have been increased interactions between residents and coyotes in Highland Park, specifically in the park areas – Crosby Park.  We should all be cautious when hiking in the park areas, especially with pets.  Here is some information from Nick McCann at the University of Minnesota to help us understand coyote behavior and how people should respond when they are seen.

It’s Coyote Pupping Season!  What  You Need to Know to Coexist