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Nobody knows food like a chef, so it stands to reason that they’ve got strong opinions about where to eat. We talked to three well-known cooks in Minneapolis–St. Paul about where they like to dine and came up with a list of some remarkable restaurants that are worth a visit. Click here for the complete article.

The East Side Freedom Library is celebrating its fifth anniversary in June.  The labor and immigrant history library and community space is marking the occasion with a few upcoming events, including a release this summer of a book about the library and neighborhood, as well a discussion with journalist and Columbia University professor Jelani Cobb on June 12. Click here for the complete article.

After a soft opening last fall, Karibu Grocery and Deli celebrated its official grand opening on May 3, recognizing all who were involved in the process of making the business happen. Karibu, located on the corner of Payne and Minnehaha avenues, has found strong support in the neighborhood, and serves as a gateway of sorts to the East Side — “karibu” means welcome in Swahili.  “I’m so excited to see this developed and to see these ideas coming from our neighborhood,” said Don Lorr, a former Railroad Island Neighborhood Task Force chair. Click here for the complete article.

Here's the straight scoop on the facts behind the Grand Opening of the new Mañana Restaurant. This was an incredible journey for this family and a stunning success for a collaboration of partners! Grand Opening: December 13, 2018 Ownership/Family: Balmore Paiz (owner) Rosario Diaz (founder) Business Duration: 13 years New location: 798 7th St. E Open date: July 5, 2018 Seating: 65 inside, 22 outside, 87 total (from 26 total) Amenities: outdoor patio and bar # of Employees: 14  -- New Jobs created: 7 Total Project Amount: Approximately $1 million (thanks to our lenders!) Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) Star Grant – City of St. Paul Star Loan – Cit...

For the second year in a row, we're putting the East Side on the Map with Visit Saint Paul. They are planning a run of 50,000 maps again this year! Last year we add 20 businesses on the East Side to the map along Payne Ave and East 7th Street. This year we plan to expand that with 10-20 more destination businesses and locations. If your business caters to the visitor or to the curious Saint Paulite looking for their new East Side favorite, this is your opportunity.  For $200, Members can join the map, the website, and offer ...

East Side Area Business Association (ESABA) membership will be electing 5 members to serve on their board of directors. The board of directors is the governing body that represents the membership, provides strategic guidance, and vision to the organization. Please be part of this democratic process and send us a nomination form for a new board member (sample enclosed). You can nominate yourself to become a board member or any other ESABA member in good standing.  The last day to nominate someone to serve on the board for the next term is Friday January 18th. Eligibility is confirmed, and biographical information i...

Here are some of the ideas we've been talking about in addition to a Small Business Resource Team (Business Technical Assistance Team): Property Tax relief Programs for access to capital to help businesses buy their buildings Healthcare pooling to help small businesses be able to offer those benefits What other ideas do you have or What do you think about those ideas? Join the conversation on Facebook or better yet, call your City Council member.

New: Get Ready for Taxes: Learn how the new tax law affects tax returns next year (Spanish) Prepárese para los impuestos: Conozca cómo la nueva ley tributaria afectará declaraciones de impuestos el próximo año IRS Publication 5307: Tax Reform Basics for Individuals and Families (GOOD STUFF HERE!) Steps to Take Now to Get a Jump on Next Year’s Taxes Previously Shared with You: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A comparison for businesses (many partners said they really like this one!) Taxpayer Advocate Service, Tax Reform Changes – By Topic Taxpayer Advocate Service, Tax Reform Changes – By Form