Fifty Years of Jakeeno’s: Meet The ‘Saucy’ Woman Running This Neighborhood Favorite

Since 1975, there’s been one Italian restaurant in Minneapolis on everyone’s lips: Jakeeno’s Pizza & Pasta. From humble beginnings in the ‘70s, this delicious little spot has been perfecting its pizzas, sauces, and entrees for nearly 50 years! It’s been a long road for Jakeeno’s to get to where they are today as a community staple, and their commitment to their neighborhood along the way has proven just as important as their delectable food. Today, the iconic Italian spot is proudly woman- and LGBTQ+-owned, and the owners, sisters Amy and Patty Keegan, continue to make Jakeeno’s a spot where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy a delicious meal.

To show just how deeply family-owned this place is, Patty Keegan, the current co-owner of Jakeeno’s, explains, “I’ve worked at Jakeeno’s since I was 5 years old when our parents opened it.” Twenty-three years ago, she and her sister, Amy, bought the restaurant from their parents and have been running it ever since. It’s truly a mom-and-pop-type joint, and now, a sister-and-sister spot!

Keegan comments on running a family business. She says, “A family business is both hard and rewarding. If you’re lucky, you get to work with people you love and trust most in the world … hard part [is] the hours, it’s 24/7.”

Operating Jakeeno’s has not been without its challenges, of course. Jakeeno’s is just around the corner from the place where George Floyd was tragically murdered by the police in 2020, and the Italian restaurant felt deeply for the community during that horrific time, and the community anger, despair, and protest that followed it.

Keegan says, “After the murder of George Floyd and the following unrest, we boarded up but we only closed a few sporadic hours. Our dining room was closed but takeout and delivery business was still busy as the choices for food had become limited. We felt it was important to stay open and show our commitment to the neighborhood.”

From that terrible time forward, Jakeeno’s knew they wanted to double down on their commitment to the community. Keegan says, “[We] invested heavily in our building. We replaced all the exterior brick and added new windows. We got a full liquor license, built a bar, and expanded our hours. We have karaoke, pull tabs, trivia, bingo, and a meat raffle. We also have 6 TVs for watch[ing] all your favorite sports … The community has been in full support of our changes. They love the fact that they can walk to a neighborhood bar and get a drink with their delicious meal. We have had nothing but positive response to everything. We love the neighborhood!”

The Keegans’ love for their community has definitely made them a crucial part of the neighborhood. 2025 will mark their 50th year in Minneapolis. Keegan says, “50 years is such a great milestone, and our plan is to be here another 50. We have celebration plans in the works and will keep everyone updated!” And what a wonderful celebration it will be for the whole community.

Being a queer- and woman-owned business comes with its own set of unique challenges, but the Keegans have risen to the occasion every time, with the love and support from their community. Keegan says, “I hope I am a good role model as a lesbian restaurant owner. Inclusiveness is crucial along with creating a welcome space for both staff and customers.” And she adds, “I hope people support us not only for that reason but also because we have great food and drinks.”

If any place has proven time and time again that community is crucial, it’s definitely Jakeeno’s. From their humble beginnings to all the ways they’ve supported South Minneapolis since, there’s no doubt about it: Jakeeno’s isn’t just here to stay for another 50 years, it’s here to stay much, much longer. Check back in soon to see how you can help Jakeeno’s celebrate their five decades in Minneapolis — and grab a delicious Italian meal while you’re at it!

You can visit Jakeeno’s to get a perfect pizza pie or pasta dish.

Jakeeno’s Pizza & Pasta
Hours: Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
3555 Chicago Ave
(612) 825-6827
www.jakeenos.com