Bilimbi Bay Opens Three Restaurants in Market

MINNEAPOLIS-Bilimbi Bay restaurants recently opened in three former Pickled Parrot spaces in the Twin Cities. The advent of Bilimbi Bay is evidence that fast-fresh concept remains popular in the Twin Cities and players in this category continue to expand, according to a new report on retail real estate in the Twin Cities by Welsh Cos.

The Key West-themed concept, which is owned by Minneapolis-based parent company of the national BBQ chain Famous Dave’s, opened in Apple Valley near County Rd 42 and Galaxie at 14889 Florence Trl.; in Eden Prairie near Highway 5 and Prairie Center Drive at 13000 Technology Dr.; and in the Uptown area of Minneapolis near Lagoon and Hennepin at 1400 Lagoon.

When the Pickled Parrots were bought last fall, the owners had planned on converting them to Kokomo’s Island Cafés, like the one they recently opened at Mall of America. But as they got into the planning, the concept changed.

Now, the restaurants have a southern Florida feel with palm trees, wood floors, ceiling fans and wicker furniture. The menu will be a blend Caribbean and classic American fare.