A Neighborhood Table

A Legacy of Partnership and Vision

Three Squares in Maple Grove has long been a place where neighbors gather for meals that feel like home. Behind its welcoming spirit is owner Stephanie Shimp, whose journey in hospitality began with her partner, David Burley. Together they co-founded Blue Plate Restaurant Company in 1993 and shaped the Twin Cities dining scene. Earlier this year, tragedy struck when Burley passed away. He was known for his warmth, humor, and creativity, the kind of person who could make anyone feel welcome at the table. As Shimp reflects, “David’s passion and kindness were the foundation of everything we built together.” His vision and recipes continue to leave their mark on Three Squares, ensuring his influence lives on in both food and spirit.

Before opening in Maple Grove, they had already established restaurants around the Twin Cities. They noticed that the suburbs were filled with chain establishments but lacked a true neighborhood gathering spot. Three Squares was created to fill that gap, offering a place that felt both local and authentic. Even the name reflects that vision: “We all need 3 meals or 3 squares a day. We do breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Shimp says.

A Menu with Meaning

From the start, the menu has reflected community and comfort. “The Turkey burger with sweet potato fries and the Steak and Pierogies have been favorites from day one and of course, breakfast cooked just the way you like it,” Shimp says. Guests continue to return for the French Toast: “Fluffy ciabatta bread dipped in our egg custard scented with cinnamon, sugar and vanilla.”

The food tells a story. “We want each bite to feel like you’re sitting at a good friend’s kitchen table,” Shimp says. The Fish and Chips recipe came from David’s family in Australia. Pierogies are a nod to Shimp’s college days at the University of Minnesota, when she often visited Kramarczuk’s Deli. “We serve breakfast all day because my mom would make ‘breakfast for dinner’ a couple of times a month.” Even the grilled cheese with its shooter of tomato soup speaks to a shared childhood memory.

The sense of family that guides the menu is just as present in the staff. Many employees have been part of Three Squares for years, forming friendships with regulars that extend beyond the restaurant walls. “Eric the daytime bartender has become friends with people and goes biking, hiking, or golfing with them,” Shimp notes. It all begins with hiring good people who look out for one another, creating an environment where hospitality thrives not only for diners but among the team itself.

Rooted in Community

That spirit of hospitality naturally extends into Maple Grove. From the start, Three Squares has been part of community life. The Rotary Club meets here for breakfast, and during COVID, supporters lined up for curbside dinners. When news of David Burley’s passing spread, flowers appeared at the front door as a gesture of care and support.

Giving back is central to the restaurant’s mission. Three Squares sponsors local sports, from Crimson Football to Osseo and Champlin Park, while supporting dance, robotics, theater, and golf. The restaurant also backs education and hunger initiatives through pasta feeds, dine-to-donate nights, and free kids meals tied to reading programs. As Shimp puts it, “We always try to support children’s education, and hunger organizations.”

Looking Ahead

As Three Squares evolves, Shimp remains focused on being a place where memories are made. “We’re excited to remain a comfortable spot for life’s big and little moments. Being part of these celebrations never gets old,” she says.

The menu changes with the seasons. Pumpkin pancakes are a fall favorite, and Happy Hour remains a staple for neighbors and friends. Still, the heart of Three Squares will always be the same. As Shimp sums it up: “Minnesota is full of incredible small businesses like us. Supporting that sensitive ecosystem is not just important, it’s essential.”