Modern Times Café to Close Its Doors

Modern Times Café, a unique restaurant in Minneapolis that tried an unorthodox approach by eliminating prices, is set to shut down by the end of this year.

Dylan Alverson, the cafe’s owner, expressed on social media that for the past six years, he has been striving to keep the establishment running. He mentioned feeling like he has explored all avenues while maintaining the core values that define Modern Times.

Alverson indicated that he intends to use the next two months to celebrate the cafe’s 16-year legacy and engage in discussions about potential paths for similar businesses.

“The future for places like Modern Times hinges on actively questioning why they cannot survive,” he commented.

Earlier this year, he had shared on Instagram that the restaurant, which rebranded itself as Post Modern Times, would operate as a “free and donation-based restaurant.” This policy welcomed everyone, but with a notable exception: no one associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was allowed, a stance taken in light of local events that highlighted issues related to ICE actions.

Alverson shared his frustration, stating, “We can’t continue as we are. I’m tired of funding a system that fails to protect us and causes ongoing harm.” This led to the decision to phase out the profit-making model that had characterized the establishment up to that point.

Modern Times Café functioned without prices for roughly six months but eventually returned to a pricing system after a brief closure last July. Despite this, the café continued its practice of offering 25 free meals daily to those in need.

By October, Alverson said he was working under a “zero profit margin,” aiming to model a sustainable approach for other eateries.

He also acknowledged the challenges this model posed for staff and patrons, with some customers waiting as long as two hours for their meals, many of which were complimentary. Community members raised concerns that those experiencing homelessness or addiction might exploit these offerings.

In a follow-up comment, Alverson reaffirmed his previous sentiments, highlighting the struggle many independent restaurants are facing today. He questioned how many others might be on the brink of closure.