Founded on a mission to create thoughtful, guest-centered dining experiences, Innerbloom Hospitality has steadily grown into one of the Twin Cities’ most dynamic hospitality groups. With a portfolio that started with fast-casual restaurants and has grown into full-service restaurants – ranging from globally inspired sushi to elevated American fare – the company’s unique blend of approachability and innovation has made it a cornerstone of the local culinary scene.
“InnerBloom Hospitality started in the self-service, fast-casual model very early on,” says Anne DeBeau-Melting, Chief Operating Officer at Innerbloom. “And in 2018, we began our shift into full-service dining. Now, owning and operating a number of restaurants across the Twin Cities, each offering something unique while staying true to our values.”
A Humble Beginning: The Innerbloom Story
The roots of Innerbloom stretch back to 2014, with the opening of the first Agra Culture location. Founded by Aaron Switz, who remains the company’s CEO, the vision was to provide flavorful, wholesome meals that met a variety of dietary needs – gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, keto, and more. “Agra Culture became that place where you could eat well. If your family had different dietary needs or allergen concerns, Agra Culture was an option for all,” DeBeau-Melting explains. “We were excited to curate meals that were healthy, nourishing, and full of flavor.”
While Agra Culture set the tone for Innerbloom’s focus on guest-centered dining, the company’s evolution into full-service concepts showcased their ability to grow, adapt, and listen to the market. “A lot of our growth has come from collaboration,” DeBeau-Melting says. “We work with chefs, designers, teams, and personal experiences to create something special with every new space.”
The Innerbloom Portfolio: A Taste of the Twin Cities
From Italian pastas in Wayzata to sushi in St. Paul, Innerbloom’s portfolio offers a wide variety of cuisines and experiences. Here’s a closer look at each of their restaurants:
Altera
Originally an Agra Culture space, Altera underwent a transformation and reopened in December 2024 as a full-service, elevated neighborhood restaurant. “We pivoted to meet the needs of the community,” DeBeau-Melting explains. “It’s a mix of American fare with thoughtful touches – like a Dan Dan noodle-inspired pasta dish alongside a classic rigatoni vodka.”
With a well-executed cocktail program and dishes that range from globally inspired to homey comfort food, Altera is a local gem.
721 Cleveland Ave S., St Paul | alterarestaurant.com
Josefina
Known for its handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and refined yet relaxed ambiance, Josefina opened in 2021 and quickly became a neighborhood favorite. “It’s a destination, a place to celebrate or just enjoy a casual Tuesday night out,” DeBeau-Melting says.
A standout addition is Fina’s, an adjoining pastry and sandwich takeout shop open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, offering everything from Italian hoagies, loaded focaccia “pizza” to fresh gelato. “People love grabbing a coffee and pastry in the morning,” she notes. “It’s been a great addition to Wayzata.”
739 Lake St. E., Wayzata | josefinawayzata.com
Layline
Located in a former auto shop on Water Street, Layline offers a vibrant menu of American cuisine, classic cocktails, and a welcoming, versatile atmosphere. “It’s hard to describe,” DeBeau-Melting admits. “We try to avoid words like ‘modern’ or ‘innovative’ – we just want to be a place people come to celebrate or relax and enjoy their dining out experience.”
A large patio and prime location make Layline especially popular during Minnesota’s warm summers.
301 Water St., Excelsior | laylinerestaurant.com
Macanda
Macanda debuted in 2022 as an upscale Latin-inspired concept, but underwent a transformation in June 2024 to embrace a new identity: Japanese-forward cuisine with Mexican and South American influences.
“We call it an innovative pairing, not a fusion,” DeBeau-Melting clarifies. “It’s robata, sushi, sashimi, but also enchiladas and empanadas. We kept guest favorites from the original Macanda and expanded from there.”
With waterfront views and an expansive patio, it’s one of the most scenic dining destinations in the metro.
294 Grove Ln E., Wayzata | macandawayzata.com
Macanda HiFi
Connected to Macanda, HiFi is Innerbloom’s cocktail-forward nightlife space, where high-energy vibes meet sleek design. While food isn’t the focus, the drink menu – paired with music and ambiance – creates an immersive, stylish experience perfect for a night out.
294 Grove Ln E., Wayzata | macandahifi.com
Yumi Japanese Restaurants
Acquired in 2018, Innerbloom now operates three Yumi Sushi locations, each offering high-quality sushi in a modern yet relaxed setting. “We knew we wanted to expand the concept when we acquired the original location in Excelsior,” DeBeau-Melting says.
Cathedral Hill in St. Paul was the first expansion, followed by the Southdale location in Edina. “It’s a beloved brand that fits really well in each neighborhood,” she notes.
217 Water St., Excelsior | 400 Selby Ave., St Paul | 200 Southdale Center, 2C, Edina | yumisushibar.com
Agra Culture
The fast-casual concept that started it all, Agra Culture focuses on real food made from scratch. Now at the only location remaining – within the Minneapolis Institute of Art – guests can enjoy a curated selection of grab-and-go items, coffee, and fresh pastries.
2400 3rd Ave S., Minneapolis | agra-culture.com
A Flexible, Guest-Focused Approach
Across all of their concepts, one theme persists: a willingness to evolve and adapt. Whether it’s pivoting an entire menu at Macanda or launching a coffee counter inside Josefina, Innerbloom is constantly responding to guest needs and neighborhood vibes.
“We’re a company that’s willing to pivot,” DeBeau-Melting says. “We work with great chefs, take feedback with seriousness, and we’re always looking at how we can make a space better for our guests.”
Their collaborative approach and community-minded focus have earned them a loyal following – and their restaurants, each with a unique identity, continue to thrive in Minnesota’s ever-changing food scene.