Tejas relocates to Minneapolis

Nation's Restaurant News, Jan 9, 1995

MINNEAPOLIS -- Tejas, the casual Southwestern restaurant that has operated downtown since 1987, has relocated to a suburban shopping district location in Edina.

"We believe that Tejas is a concept better suited to suburban locations," said partner Wayne Kostroski. "It's perfect for families who want to get out of the house for dinner or for shoppers who want to grab a bite to eat while strolling through the neighborhood."

The new restaurant features a Santa Fe, N.M.-inspired decor that includes a large fireplace, Southwestern artifacts and an open kitchen. Executive chef Mark Haugen prepares such dishes as black and white bean soups with epazote and red jalapeno creams; smoked salmon quesadillas with chive cream and papaya relish; and braised lamb shank with Mexican oregano aioli and feta cheese.

Haugen is a partner in the operation, along with John Dayton, who co-founded the original restaurant along with well-known Texas chef Stephan Pyles.