Pk Produce LLC licensed to open in Saint Paul

Overview

Updated Sep 4

Pk Produce LLC now holds a Minnesota food handler retail license, clearing it to sell produce at 1001 Johnson Parkway, Unit 182 on Saint Paul's East Side. The record first appeared in the state's licensing database on August 29, 2026.

The license means the business is cleared to operate, not that its doors are open. Unit 182 sits in a commercial building that already hosts another produce vendor, C J Produce, directly across from the Hmong Village market at 1000 Johnson Parkway.

Why it matters

A new produce store could expand fresh-food options for Saint Paul's East Side, where small markets anchor neighborhood food access.

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Key Indicators

Active food handler retail license

Pk Produce LLC is cleared to sell food at 1001 Johnson Parkway, Unit 182.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

Ever wondered what historical figures would say about today's headlines?

Organizations Involved

Pk Produce LLC

Produce retail business

Licensed, not confirmed open

New produce market licensed for Unit 182 at 1001 Johnson Parkway, Saint Paul.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

State Regulatory Agency

Issues food handler licenses for retail food businesses

State agency that licenses food handlers and inspects retail food establishments across Minnesota.

Timeline

1 event Latest: August 29th, 2026 · 2 weeks ago

August 2026
Pk Produce license appears in state database
Latest Licensing

Minnesota food handler retail license for Pk Produce LLC at 1001 Johnson Parkway, Unit 182 is listed in the state's licensing system.
August 29th, 2026

Scenarios

Pk Produce opens for business

Possible Resolves by Mar 1, 2027

Discussed by: Minnesota Department of Agriculture licensing records; local business listings

The business completes setup at Unit 182 and starts selling produce. Opening would show up as active storefront listings, customer reviews, or a working phone number within a few months. Retail food licenses in Minnesota typically go into use soon after they appear.

License stays on file, store never opens

Possible Resolves by Mar 1, 2027

Discussed by: Pattern of retail licenses issued but unused

The license remains valid but the business never launches, or opens and closes quickly. Many issued licenses never lead to an operating storefront.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2004–present

Hmongtown Marketplace (2004)

Began as an open-air market at Payne Avenue and became Minnesota's first Hmong marketplace. It later moved to University Avenue and now hosts about 200 vendors.

Then

Proved the Twin Cities would support independent indoor markets run by immigrant vendors.

Now

Established a regional tradition of small produce sellers meeting neighborhood food needs.

Why this matters now

A single produce store on the East Side fits this pattern of independent vendors serving local fresh-food demand.

2010–present

Hmong Village (2010)

Hmong Village opened at 1000 Johnson Parkway, directly across from the new Pk Produce site, as a covered marketplace with dozens of vendors selling produce, meat, and apparel. It grew into one of Minnesota's largest Asian markets.

Then

Became an anchor for the East Side's fresh-food retail within a few years of opening.

Now

Showed that this stretch of Johnson Parkway can sustain food retail at scale.

Why this matters now

Pk Produce is opening at 1001 Johnson Parkway, directly opposite Hmong Village, the same corridor's largest food market.