He turned lemons into lemonade: Minneapolis’ first Black-owned vegan restaurant

In Minneapolis, a story of tragedy has been transformed into a triumph of resilience, community, and entrepreneurship. Louis Hunter, the founder and owner of Trio, opened the city’s first Black-owned vegan restaurant—a space that serves not only plant-based soul food but also hope, healing, and empowerment (TODAY).

Hunter’s journey to becoming a restaurateur was far from ordinary. Four years ago, his life was upended by the tragic murder of his cousin, Philando Castile, by police—a moment that sent shockwaves through Minneapolis and the world. Driven by grief and a desire for justice, Hunter joined the protests, advocating for change and standing alongside city residents in the fight against systemic injustice. His activism, however, made him a target: he was falsely accused of throwing rocks at police officers, facing a felony charge that could have resulted in 20 years in prison.

“Facing the 20 years in prison due to something I knew at the time I did not do… was one of the craziest experiences in my life. My anxiety was everywhere every day,” Hunter recalled.

The legal battle cost him dearly. He lost his vehicle and, eventually, the landscaping business he had worked so hard to build. Yet even in despair, the seeds of a new beginning were planted. Dan and Sarah Woodcock, a couple he met while protesting, stepped in to support him. They organized petitions and rallies to advocate for Hunter, who after two and a half years, had the charges dropped in 2017.

“We had a celebration in the local park. And at that celebration, I remember saying, ‘What if this became a turning point in your life?’” Sarah Woodcock shared with TODAY.

Hunter embraced that moment as a pivotal turning point. He began serving soul food through pop-up events with the Woodcocks, reconnecting with the community and channeling his energy into creation rather than despair. By 2018, with donations from over 600 supporters raising more than $50,000, Trio became a reality, and in 2019, Hunter assumed full ownership.

Today, Trio is a thriving hub of plant-based soul food, featuring dishes like cauliflower wings, vegan mac and cheese, and BBQ jackfruit. The restaurant has become a local favorite, demonstrating that food can be both nourishing and a vehicle for cultural pride.

Hunter’s journey continues to inspire activism through service. Following the murder of George Floyd, he gave back to his city by feeding over 300 protestors, turning a moment of grief into an opportunity to uplift the community.

“It felt amazing. It felt so unreal that I was able to serve the community 300 meals, [when] I could have been in prison praying for the community,” Hunter said.

For Hunter, faith and community are inseparable from his mission. He credits his perseverance to a higher power and emphasizes the importance of serving others, particularly in the fight for Black lives.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have faith. Believe in your higher power. Always try to serve your community, your peers, and have faith because I have faith that one day, Black lives will matter,” he said.

From the depths of personal tragedy to the success of Minneapolis’ first Black-owned vegan restaurant, Louis Hunter’s story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. His journey reminds us that even in the darkest moments, dedication, faith, and community can turn adversity into something profoundly life-affirming.