Committee approves rental-hall, extended-hours license for Frida’s at 1501 E. Lake St.

The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee approved a rental-hall and extended-hours license for Ocampo Lake Catering, doing business as Frida’s, at 1501 East Lake Street.

Akbar Mohammed, a licensed inspector in the Licenses & Consumer Services division, said the application requests a rental hall available for private events such as weddings and corporate events, seating up to 338 patrons and seeking indoor hours from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. He reported that 122 notices were mailed and staff received one comment in support; the licensing division recommended approval.

Several residents urged caution. Brenda Short, who identified herself as a mayoral candidate and a neighbor, said she supports small businesses but asked the council to delay expanded hours because of recent local gun violence: “I’m asking the city council to push it back until we can get more police officers, more security, because it is our duty as citizens of community to know that gun violence will accidentally shoot somebody at 02:00 in the morning at a venue.”

The applicant, Julian Ocampo of Ocampo Lake Catering, described security measures and ongoing coordination with the Minneapolis Police Department and neighborhood groups, and said the owners were willing to adjust timing or delay liquor if necessary. Councilmembers acknowledged those safety concerns but noted staff found no prior complaints tied to this new business location and that the applicant met minimum ordinance security requirements.

Councilmember Chavez moved approval; the motion passed by voice vote.

What’s next: The license is approved but councilmembers encouraged continued coordination between the owner, business-licensing staff and neighbors to address safety and activation of the corridor.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 277, topfinish SEG 547