Francis Burger Joint

Francis, once a beloved food truck at Sociable Cider Werks, transformed its growing popularity into a thriving brick-and-mortar vegan restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis in January 2023. With the help of Element’s Aaron Meyers, Francis secured their first permanent location at 2422 Central Ave NE, following the closure of the iconic Yai Sen Lek. Known for their killer plant-based burgers, crispy fries, “chicken” sandwiches, and homemade sauces like their fan-favorite Francy Sauce, the Northeast space became an instant hit. Featuring a welcoming dining room, a vibrant bar with a "Killer Burgers" neon sign, and an inviting ambiance, Francis positioned itself as a gathering place for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike.

Building on the success of their Northeast flagship, Francis opened a second brick-and-mortar location in November 2024 at the corner of East Lake Street and 39th Avenue in Longfellow, in the former Peppers & Fries building. This expansion, once again facilitated by Element’s Aaron Meyers, showcases the strong partnership between Element and the Francis team. Known for their creative menu and commitment to quality, Francis earned the #19 spot on Yelp’s list of the 100 Best Vegan Restaurants, cementing their status as a Twin Cities favorite.

The East Lake location continues to delight with their signature plant-based offerings, cocktails, shakes, and rotating specials, while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for the Longfellow community. Open daily from 12pm - 10pm, Francis invites everyone to experience their iconic burgers, with brunch available at the Northeast location on weekends from 10am - 3pm.

Francis’s journey from a food truck to two thriving locations is a testament to their dedication to delicious, plant-based dining and creating spaces that bring communities together. Follow their story on Instagram @francisburgerjoint and join them in Northeast or Longfellow to see what all the buzz is about!