The Malt Shop is closed after the business failed to renew its liquor licence. The restaurant closed to the public on Jan. 22. The business’ liquor license was last renewed by City Council in August 2024.

The last owner to renew The Malt Shop’s liquor license was the LCC owned by Rebecca Illingworth Penichot, former owner of Tinto Kitchen at 50th and Penn. That LCC is no longer active with the State of Minnesota and Illingworth Penichot has moved to France.

Illingworth Penichot transferred the lease to Ryan Braski, according to the building owners. Braski was evicted as the operator of The Malt Shop in January.

Illingworth Penichot took over The Malt Shop in 2022. The building and business was previously owned by Richard Henke since its opening in 1973. Henke sold the building to Arbor Commercial Group when Illingworth Penichot took over. The commercial property company also owns the Tinto (now Nico’s Taco + Agave Bar) building, which is how Illingworth Penichot got involved.

“As the owners of the building, and members of the Southwest Minneapolis community, we know the restaurant has been a neighborhood treasure for over 50 years,”  Steve and Ellen Young of Arbor Commercial Group shared with Southwest Voices this week.

The Youngs referred to the restaurant as being “temporarily closed” and said they “hope to lease the restaurant space to a skilled restaurateur who will provide excellent food and customer service to the neighborhood community and beyond.”

Our attempt to reach Rebecca Illingworth Penichot was unsuccessful.

This article was updated at 2 p.m on March 6.