Duluth Restaurant Capitalizes on Socialist Theme

Recently on a LISTSRV that I belong to, someone asked if anyone knew about the theme of the new restaurant Burrito Union located in East Hillside at the corner of Fourth Street and Thirteenth Avenue East. Another person mentioned that I might know. Well, being the editor does have its perks. I was invited to a party the night before the restaurant opened so that the owners, Rod Raymond and Tim Nelson, could test out their new facilities on real live people.
So, Teri Glembin, a graphic artist who designed their menus, and Simon Gray, a designer, gave my husband and me the lowdown on the interior decor. What follows is my response to those who asked the question on the LISTSERV:

Yes Folks, the theme is Socialist/Communist at Burrito Union. This was done on purpose.
The type font on their menus and signs is literally named "Soviet Union."
If you look at their beer tap handles, which are beautiful hand blown glass by Jess Dufree, you will notice they are red and the tops are colorfully shaped like the turrets on St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square.

The food choices include: "The Fat Capitalist," which my husband loves, and "The Happy Worker," a vegetarian burrito which I usually order. One time a waitress was walking around looking for who ordered our food and asked my husband, "Are you the Fat Capitalist?" We all laughed and he said, "Yes."
Their theme is "Burritos for the People." And much of their logo type includes a worker's fist...as he demands his rights.
Go into their bathrooms which are unisex, and look at the artwork on the walls, the bulletin board also contains many redone photos and graphics which include Communist/Socialist themes, but these may be covered up with posters by now.

The employees wear either black or red T-shirts and workmen caps.
The thinking on all this was from their designer, Simon Gray. "I have to respect the building," Gray said of his style of design.
He wanted to keep with the theme and history of the building and the neighborhood. The people who had settled in the East Hillside and those who had built the original building came from the Soviet Block nations. And, like most people, they (we) are proud of our ethnic heritage and it is a part of us even when we think it is not.

Red stars can be seen throughout this restaurant. All across the northland, red stars used to be on the Union Halls of the descendants of these Soviet Block nations, but with the Red Scare of the 1950s they were quickly painted white and any ties to Communist/Socialist themes where quickly denied.
I am also impressed by Burrito Union's commitment to the environment. You won't find any Styrofoam cups or Styrofoam take-out containers. The floor is made of bamboo, the menu signs are recycled or old plywood painted with blackboard paint. The light fixtures are recycled, the chandeliers reflect the Bourgeoisie of the old Communist nations, and the funky family-room hanging lamps reflect what was seen in the homes of the descendants of the Soviet Block settlers to the East Hillside in the 1950s through the 1970s.
Naomi
"The Happy Editor"
Naomi is the editor of "The Hillsider" a neighborhood newspaper