St. Joseph embraces unique culinary ventures

A new culinary hub has opened in downtown St. Joseph, bringing five unique food and beverage businesses under one roof. The House Food and Tap, co-owned by BriAnne Hern ‘00 and Craig Hern, officially opened on Tuesday.

In an interview with Johnnie Bennie Media, co-owner BriAnne Hern explained that the concept of The House stemmed from a deep mission to foster togetherness and reflect the community’s desires.

During construction, the Herns placed a billboard on the lot with a QR code allowing passersby to submit feedback on what they wanted to see in St. Joseph. This community-driven approach shaped the selection of food vendors now located at The House.

“My experience here was excellent,” CSB Senior Miel Aronson said at the grand opening. “The food was delicious, and the environment was welcoming. It was a very unique experience overall.”

The space hosts Eminent Coffee Roasters, 98 Hawaiian Grill, Joe Town Smashburger, Birdie’s Pizza and Garden Bar and a 30-tap self-pour wall featuring local and craft beers. Each vendor offers a different experience, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of options in one setting.

Coffee roaster Josh Kaeter conceived Eminent Coffee in early 2021. The company offers familiar coffee options such as cappuccinos and a signature menu featuring flavors like banana bread latte.

98 Hawaiian was founded by former NFL player and The Voice finalist Esera Tuaolo, also known as Mr. Aloha, who brings authentic Polynesian and Hawaiian cuisine to the table, with options like poke bowls and pineapple barbecue chicken.

Tuaolo said the opening was a resounding success for his team.

“I am feeling absolutely incredible. St. Joseph has been really supportive and shown out,” Tuaolo said at the grand opening. “We definitely ran out of food, but that’s a good thing. We’re very blessed.”

Joe Town Smashburger was founded by acclaimed Krewe Restaurant chef Mateo Mackbee and his partner, Erin Lucas, who runs the Flour and Flower Bakery in St. Joseph. Krewe has earned statewide recognition, including a Golden Fork Award, and in January 2025, Mackbee was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest — one of the culinary world’s most prestigious honors.

Flour and Flower was featured in The New York Times’ list of best bakeries in the United States for 2024. Their menu at The House includes hand smashed burgers on buns baked at Flour and Flower, crispy fries and milkshakes.

“I love the excitement. I live for the chaos, so this is a beautiful thing for us,” Mackbee said.

Birdie’s Pizza and Garden Bar was founded by longtime family friends Tyler and Sheena Thieschafer and Chelsea and Michael Gauthier. It offers freshly baked brick-oven pizzas and a build-your-own salad bar, adding to the diverse food hall experience in St. Joseph.

Turnout for the grand opening on Tuesday was high, with some vendors running out of food before the evening was over. Bennies and Johnnies were well-represented in the crowd, alongside residents from all over town.

“I love this place, especially 98 Hawaiian. I’m from the West Coast, so we have a lot of Hawaiian and Polynesian barbecue food,” SJU first-year Paul Rodriguez said. “To be out here in Minnesota, this place feels like home. The atmosphere just brings a loving family charm to it.”

The House also provides new employment opportunities for students. SJU sophomore Mustapha Fofanah applied through Handshake and was interviewed directly by BriAnne Hern over Zoom.

“It’s great and family friendly,” Fofanah said. “The House is all about the experience — for me, the customers and the workers.”

Hern emphasized the importance of community engagement, especially with CSB+SJU students.

“One thing I felt was missing in my experience as a Bennie was a connection to community,” Hern said in her Johnnie Bennie Media interview. “We’re hoping this space inspires students to see St. Joseph as home, even if just for four years.”