Long-Awaited Keg and Case Buzzes to Life

By Tom Kaiser

Friends, family and media got the first look and taste of Keg and Case on September 13.

At a theatrical event that included a New Orleans-style jazz band, glass towers filled with live bees and mushrooms, hordes of media, iPhones held high and a full contingent of St. Paul dignitaries, the christening of Keg and Case felt like the rebirth of a neighborhood rather than just another grand opening.

Part of the Schmidt Brewery complex that is quickly morphing into the capital city’s most historic urban village, the Keg and Case West 7th Market was conceived in the image of the very best food halls across the country. High design overwhelms the senses from all angles once you’re in, with influences from Chicago’s Revival hall, beautiful produce and pastries reminiscent of Eataly and a more design-forward presentation than our metro’s own, still-glorious Midtown Global Market.

Developer Craig Cohen, Revival and Corner Table co-owners Thomas Boemer and Nick Rancone and several others spoke to the assembled throng before cutting the big red ribbon. They each shared war stories of a leaking roof, squatting pigeons and a historic, highly visible building that many neighbors and city leaders assumed was destined for the wrecking ball.

How appropriate that one of St. Paul’s original economic engines is the site of its most dramatic rebirth in recent memory. It’s a new era on West 7th.