EDINA, Minn. — A new plant-based burger concept out of suburban Minneapolis, Stalk & Spade, is officially launching nationwide franchising, with a former St. Louis Blues captain helming its first franchise locations.
Two-time Olympian David Backes, who played for the Blues for 10 seasons, five as captain, and his wife, Kelly, are opening Stalk & Spade's first franchise store April 29 at 3925 W. 50th St. within suburban Edina's 50th & France retail district. Another will closely follow at 528 N. Washington Ave. in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood.
Stalk & Spade's menu includes plant-based burgers and "chik'n" wraps and sandwiches, as well as fries and dairy-free shakes. It was launched in spring 2021 by Minneapolis-area entrepreneur Steve Smiley, who founded salad chain Crisp & Green six years ago.
With the start of Stalk & Spade's nationwide franchising, there are plans for a dozen locations across the U.S. in 2022, including the Backes' two locations, both near existing Crisp & Green stores.
Typically, the Minneapolis sites where David and Kelly Backes are opening Stalk & Spade stores are prime territory for corporate-owned flagship stores, but Smiley thought the couple would be the perfect brand ambassadors. Several years ago, they adopted plant-based diets, which Minneapolis native David Backes has publicly credited with elongating his NHL career after experiencing health issues.
The 10 other Stalk & Spade franchise locations expected to open this year are scattered across the U.S., including at least one in Iowa and multiple in Florida. Smiley said the brand will continue to grow in the Midwest, as well as the East and West coasts, where the plant-based lifestyle trend has already taken hold. He anticipates additional announcements of other tier-one markets soon.
Read the full story on the St. Louis Business Journal website.
