Vivo Kitchen In Apple Valley Announces It Will Close Permanently

APPLE VALLEY, MN — VIVO Kitchen in Apple Valley is the latest in a series of local restaurants forced into permanent closure amid the coronavirus pandemic. The popular eatery, which opened in 2014, served seasonal food from scratch.

"Today we have made the unbelievably difficult decision that VIVO will be closing its doors permanently on Sunday, May 24th," Jeff Mould, executive director, announced in a statement Saturday.

"This has been an emotional and difficult decision to arrive at. The future of hospitality is so uncertain. We have given our absolute best to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing pandemic world we live in. We have recalibrated our menu with a small and committed team and done all we can to keep our business moving forward with the hopes of re-opening. The reality is that the business margins of a 400-seat capacity restaurant are not maintainable currently or under limited capacity seating. With all the uncertainty, we do not see a viable path forward."


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The restaurant says it will be offering curbside service May 19 through May 23.

"To the City of Apple Valley, thank you for letting us participate in community events and support local initiatives as we have been able," Mould added. "We are proud to have been a part of this community."

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, more Minnesota restaurants and other businesses are closing for good, even as the rest of the state begins to open up.

On Monday, the state of Minnesota will allow retail stores, malls, and main street businesses to reopen for in-person shopping as long as they have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. However, Minnesota bars, restaurants, barbershops, and salons cannot yet reopen yet except for takeout.

Gov. Tim Walz has directed his cabinet to assemble guidance on how to safely reopen bars, restaurants, barbershops, and salons beginning June 1.

Also read: These Twin Cities Businesses Have Permanently Closed

This article originally appeared on the Apple Valley-Rosemount Patch