The Minnesota Restaurant Association’s Restaurateur of the Year Award recognizes professionalism, innovation, leadership and community involvement.
2017 Restaurateur of the Year:
Ryan Burnet - Barrio Restaurant Group
Ryan Burnet was always intrigued by the restaurant business but it wasn’t until a few years ago that he found himself at the right place at the right time to make the jump to restaurateur. He was originally in real estate when he realized there was a lack of authentic Latin cuisine in downtown Minneapolis. When a storefront next to The Local opened up, Ryan moved quickly to purchase it and set up his very first restaurant, Barrio, in 2008. Since then, Ryan has played a role in many other restaurants opening throughout the Twin Cities including four other Barrio locations, Station Pizzeria, Eastside Eat & Drink and Crisp & Green. He’s also a partner in Bar La Grassa and Burch Steak.
While Ryan has certainly made a name for himself on the Minnesota restaurant scene, he stays humble and credits the good people around him, along with the momentum from previous projects, to help propel him into new opportunities and to be able to flex his creativity.
In 2016, Ryan co-founded the Northside Boxing Club, a non-profit boxing gym in north Minneapolis which is free for anyone under the age of 18. The Boxing Club’s mission is to effect positive change in youth through boxing and physical fitness. And an important part of the physical fitness means ensuring the kids are receiving proper nutrition. Realizing that many of the youth are not eating healthy food, Ryan called upon his restaurants to deliver food and help feed 30-40 kids each night. Ryan’s passion is palpable for continuing to grow a challenging and enriching environment for kids to come to after school and during the summer in north Minneapolis.
While Ryan has certainly made a name for himself on the Minnesota restaurant scene, he stays humble and credits the good people around him, along with the momentum from previous projects, to help propel him into new opportunities and to be able to flex his creativity.
In 2016, Ryan co-founded the Northside Boxing Club, a non-profit boxing gym in north Minneapolis which is free for anyone under the age of 18. The Boxing Club’s mission is to effect positive change in youth through boxing and physical fitness. And an important part of the physical fitness means ensuring the kids are receiving proper nutrition. Realizing that many of the youth are not eating healthy food, Ryan called upon his restaurants to deliver food and help feed 30-40 kids each night. Ryan’s passion is palpable for continuing to grow a challenging and enriching environment for kids to come to after school and during the summer in north Minneapolis.
Past Recipients of the Restaurateur of the Year Award:
The Restaurateur of the Year Award was not presented in 2014
The Restaurateur of the Year Award was not presented in 2014
- Luke Shimp - Red Cow (2016)
- Brent Frederick & Jacob Toledo - Jester Concepts (2015)
- Chef Scott Foster & Patrick Woodring - Nova Restaurant Group (2013)
- Tim Murray - Murray’s Restaurant (2012)
- Andy Borg & Michael J. Paulucci - Grandma’s Restaurant Company (2011)
- Kieran Folliard - Cara Irish Pubs (2010)
- David Burley, Luke Shimp & Stephanie Shimp - Blue Plate Restaurant Co. (2009)
- Larry D’Amico, Richard D’Amico, Paul Smith - D’Amico Partners (2008)
- Pasquale (Rocco) Preese - Davanni’s (2007)
- Barb Hunn - Key’s Café (2006)
- John Schiltz - Lake Elmo Inn (2005)
