From Bakeshop to Cooperative: May Day Cafe's Inspiring Transformation

When longtime May Day Cafe owner Andy Lunning decided to step away from the business he had built over two decades, the Powderhorn Park community held its breath, fearing the loss of this beloved coffee and pastry hub. However, the café's workers refused to let their cherished gathering place disappear, banding together to purchase the establishment and transform it into a worker-owned cooperative, ensuring the preservation of its unique culture and vibrant spirit.

Powderhorn Park's Beloved Gathering Place Finds New Life as a Worker-Owned Cooperative

Preserving a Minneapolis Landmark

For over 20 years, May Day Cafe has been a beloved institution in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood of Minneapolis, attracting a loyal following with its cozy atmosphere, creative pastries, and community-minded ethos. When owner Andy Lunning announced his decision to sell the cafe, the news sent shockwaves through the local community, who worried that this iconic gathering place would soon be lost. However, the cafe's dedicated employees refused to let their workplace and community hub fade into history.

Workers Take the Reins

Recognizing the cafe's deep-rooted significance to the Powderhorn Park neighborhood, the May Day Cafe staff banded together to devise a plan that would allow them to preserve the business and its unique culture. Striking a deal with Lunning, the workers launched an ambitious campaign to raise the necessary funds to purchase the cafe and transition it into a worker-owned cooperative. This bold move not only ensured the cafe's continued existence but also empowered the employees to shape its future direction, drawing on their intimate knowledge of the business and unwavering commitment to the community.

Funding the Cooperative Transition

The workers' cooperative journey has been a community-driven effort from the start. Aiming to raise $250,000 to cover the gap between their private grants and loans and the costs of acquiring the cafe, the May Day Cafe team has garnered widespread support from loyal customers, friends, and neighbors. Through modest donations ranging from $10 to $100, the campaign has already raised over $41,000, with plans for additional fundraising events, including a speed dating event and a backyard concert featuring local musicians.

Tapping into the Cooperative Network

In their pursuit of transforming May Day Cafe into a worker-owned cooperative, the employees have drawn inspiration and guidance from other successful cooperative ventures in the area. Partnering with Nexus Community Partners, a nonprofit organization focused on community wealth-building, the May Day Cafe team has gained valuable insights into the intricacies of transitioning from a sole proprietorship to a cooperative model. They have also connected with fellow cooperatives like the Hub Bicycle Coop, Happy Earth Cleaning, and Seward Cafe, learning from their perspectives and experiences in navigating the shift to collective ownership and governance.

Cooperatives Empowering Cooperatives

The spirit of cooperation extends beyond the walls of May Day Cafe, as the worker-owners have found a supportive network among their fellow cooperative businesses. Sharing best practices and offering advice, these collaborative efforts have been crucial in helping the May Day Cafe workers navigate the complexities of running a cooperative. As Rachel Battles, a worker-owner of Happy Earth Cleaning, explains, the cooperative model fosters a sense of community and a commitment to supporting one another, exemplifying the principle of "cooperatives empowering cooperatives."