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Restaurant Recruitment Program

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The City of Isanti has launched a NEW Restaurant Recruitment Program to attract unique and high-quality dining establishments to the community. This initiative aims to diversify Isanti's culinary scene, enhance residents' quality of life, and draw visitors from outside the area.

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Program Goals

  • The primary goal is to bring in "destination" restaurants that:
    • Attract customers from outside Isanti.
    • Do not have another location within a 5-mile radius, ensuring new experiences.
    • Complement the existing restaurant landscape.

Eligibility and Application

  • Both restaurants and developers/owners leasing to qualifying restaurants can apply. A minimum five-year lease is required for the restaurant to be eligible for incentives.
  • Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the City of Isanti Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the City Council. The review process considers:
    • Fiscal Impact: Anticipated sales tax, new full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, total payroll, and property taxes generated.
    • Community Impact: How well the restaurant addresses the community's need for unique dining.
    • Competitive Impact: The potential effect on existing Isanti businesses, with a focus on retaining current establishments.

Available Incentives

The program offers a flexible package of incentives designed to create "Win/Win" agreements for both the applicant and Isanti taxpayers. These include:

  • Matching Grants (up to $10,000):
    • Up to 30% of costs for permanently installed kitchen equipment required by the MN Dept. of Health (e.g., hood fans, sinks).
    • Up to 30% of costs for required accessibility improvements to existing buildings.
  • 0% or Low-Interest Loans on Capital:
    • For façade or building improvements, including structural and mechanical repairs, signage, and lighting.
    • For permanently installed kitchen equipment.
    • For accessibility improvements.
  • Development Fee Rebates:
    • Waiver of sign permits, site plan review application fees, and/or trunk utility fees for new restaurants constructing new buildings.

All incentives are subject to funding availability and are not guaranteed approvals. The City of Isanti EDA/City Council reserves the right to customize, make exceptions, and terminate incentives if the restaurant ceases operations.

Application Process

Prospective applicants must:

Complete a "Pre-Application for Assistance."

  • Submit a narrative addressing the review criteria and a comprehensive business plan.
  • Undergo review by Economic Development staff, potentially including an interview.
  • Receive a recommendation from the Economic Development staff to the City of Isanti EDA and City Council for final approval or denial.

This program, officially approved on May 6, 2025, by the Isanti Economic Development Authority, is a direct response to community requests for more diverse dining options and a strategic move to foster economic growth in the growing Twin Cities Metro area edge community.

To discuss this opportunity and for additional information, we encourage all potential applicants to discuss their project with the City of Isanti.