Modern Times has been a beloved cafe in South Minneapolis for the last 15 years, but after their neighborhood at Chicago Avenue and 32nd Street has repeatedly seen major tragedies, and after being ultra-frustrated that state sponsored murder is happening right up the street with our tax dollars, owner Dylan Alverson had had enough. He needed to make a stand, and thus the POST Modern Times Cafe was born. An eatery that is fully donation based, where no tax dollars will go to support this Fascist Regime currently in charge.
People love this idea, and so many of us support it
I LOVE it. I LOVE Minneapolis so much, and its unmatched spirit. The ability to think outside of the box. The creativity that shows up in everything people do, from the arts to new ways of functioning in a world that has proven that we have to protect each other. The old ways are no longer working for everyone, so we make new ways.
The moment Alverson announced the new ways at Post Modern Times, they’ve been busier than ever. The first week there were lines out the door at off times that would normally see tables be more sparsely filled. The PEOPLE appreciate someone taking a stand. The PEOPLE support each other, and our businesses that so clearly care deeply. If you care to, you can donate to the cause here:
ICE is not welcome, everyone else is
ALL are welcome, except for ICE. If you need a meal, you can go to Post Modern Times and get one, free of charge. You can also go get one and pay way more than you normally would – if you can – because you want to support a business that is literally putting their money where their mouth is. Staff members are working as volunteers … and splitting the donated tips at the end of their shifts. One staffer told me that they’ve actually been making more than they normally would, both as staff and the cafe as a whole. Minneapolis will show up for an excellent burn to our Government like this … and I think more places should follow suit. It’s hard to finance all of the war crimes and the murders and abductions of American Citizens by ICE when they don’t have all of our monies funding them. Something to think about. Never forget that the People truly, truly do have the Power.
If you’re not hungry or don’t have time for a sit down meal. you can get great items from the bakery case to go (Vegan Pineapple Donuts!).
They have shirts and hats, to help spread the word
You can get a t-shirt to wear around town and use it as a conversation starter when someone asks you about it, which they inevitably will.
You can get a bright neon hat to stand out when you’re out marching, protecting, patrolling, or otherwise standing up for your neighbors while we’re under this criminal Occupation where absolutely nothing has changed, no matter what the lying Administration says … and probably get a high five when people read where it came from. Unity!
Restaurants in Minneapolis are hurting
Our restaurants are hurting so much. Between workers being afraid to leave their homes and patrons staying away for the same reasons, it’s a pretty radical move to throw up your hands and say, “Fine, it’s all free then. I want no part of this.”, when times have already been hard. But it’s working. I’ll let Alverson explain it in his own words:
“Hello,
My name is Dylan. I own Modern Times Cafe in South Minneapolis and have for 15 years. Modern Times is on the corner of 32nd and Chicago Ave; 6 blocks from where George Floyd was murdered, 3 blocks from where Renee Good was executed, and a mere neighborhood away from where Alex Pretti was murdered.After ICE agents shot and killed Renee and then Alex, I was at the scene within hours. I witnessed hostile and aggressive armed goons sent by the Federal Government protecting each other from unarmed, outraged citizens. I bore witness to these atrocities and was tear-gassed, smoke-bombed and concussion grenaded alongside my neighbors.
Minneapolis has been living through the abhorrent horror of the federally sanctioned abduction of our neighbors, public executions of people exercising their rights, and a targeted escalation of government violence. It’s an atrocious and despicable occupation.
We are entering yet another week of this occupation with a deep sense of dread and mourning. We absolutely cannot go on as we have. I am sick of generating money for the soldiers in our streets and for a government that won’t protect us – a government who is actively inflicting daily harm on its citizens.
Effective tomorrow we are done making money for the fascists that occupy our city. We refuse to generate taxes under the guise of a functioning for-profit capitalist business aligned with government strategy. Amidst many strategic pivots and determined leadership, Modern Times has been barely soluble since 2020. Therefore, for the remainder of the government occupation, we will function as a free and donation based restaurant, Post Modern Times. Everyone is welcome EXCEPT ICE.
Hours will not change but our menu will be smaller. Staff agreed to be present on a volunteer basis, working from shared tips and community donations.
Post Modern Times is a small stance amidst a gigantic fight that may shape the future of this country. I am inspired by the ways our community has grown together, our hearts breaking open, to give and receive care in all the ways we can. May we continue to see each other in the streets. Dylan”
Turning a meal into a movement
People have their excuses as to why they’re still sitting on the sidelines and letting everyone else be out in the streets actively saving our Democracy (for EVERYONE!), but eating at a restaurant is something literally everyone can do to support this righteous cause – especially at one that’s free (though you’ll pay more if at all able, because you get it)!
It’s nice just to be somewhere where you know that the people eating around you are all on the same page as you, and that can’t be said about everywhere in town. You can be sure of that at Post Modern Times, where a simple and delicious meal feels like a conscientious act of solidarity. A firm handshake to all involved.
All pictures by CJ Gronner
Read the original post on Substack.
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