Jakeeno's Pizza & Pasta: A Neighborhood Staple for Nearly 50 Years

…….

A Family Legacy
Jakeeno's Pizza & Pasta has been a cornerstone of the 36th and Chicago neighborhood in Minneapolis since 1975. Founded by their parents, Patty Keegan and her sister Emi took over the beloved family business 25 years ago. Over the years, they transformed Jakeeno's into a full-service restaurant with a full liquor license, a new bar, and even a wholesale division.

“The neighborhood is so important to us,” Patty shares. “The people in that neighborhood, everybody is very dedicated to that, whether it’s fellow business owners or the homeowners there. Everybody takes pride in their neighborhood.”

A Place to Gather and Grow
Jakeeno's is more than just a restaurant; it’s a safe and welcoming space where people come together to enjoy great food and create lasting memories. Known for its diverse and dedicated team, Jakeeno's provides stability and employment for staff members who have been with them for years, even decades.

“We are a nice, stable place for people to come, feel safe, enjoy a great meal, have a drink,” Patty explains. “And we really are a staple of that neighborhood. People recognize the name and say, ‘Oh yeah, Jakeeno's, they've been there for my whole life.’”

The Impact of the MN PROMISE Act Grant
In 2023, Jakeeno's Pizza & Pasta learned about the MN PROMISE Act grant through a Zoom meeting. Patty and her sister were grateful for the transparency and support they received along the way.

“We were granted some money. It provided a sense of a little breath of relief. It helped us cover our payroll.”

A Future Rooted in the Neighborhood
With its 50th anniversary approaching, Jakeeno's is focused on reinvesting in its neighborhood and celebrating its enduring presence. Thanks to the MN PROMISE Act grant, they’ve been able to regroup, rededicate themselves to their corner of 36th and Chicago, and let the community know they’re here to stay.

“It just was this little breath that gave us a minute to regroup and, you know, just further invest in the neighborhood where we're not going anywhere,” Patty says. “It just helps us stay there. It helps us to rededicate ourselves to that corner and let people know that we’re here to stay.”

Explore Jakeeno's Menu
One of the hallmarks of Jakeeno's Pizza & Pasta is its exceptional menu. Below are snapshots of their menu that showcase some of their most popular items.

Whether you're craving classic pasta, pizza with a variety of toppings, or something new to try, Jakeeno's has something for everyone.