In the summer of 2024, with the help of a Small Business Administration loan through U.S. Bank, Wilson purchased the former 4th Street Saloon on North Minneapolis’ iconic West Broadway Avenue. Before it shut its doors, the 4th Street Saloon was known for its mural that welcomed people to the area and for ongoing challenges around safety and crime.
Wilson is now in the process of turning the former bar into a new venue called Swank Eatery.
“Teto’s vision includes everything from an anchor space for local food trucks to a community room on the second floor,” said Tim Farrow, the U.S. Bank business access advisor who has worked with Wilson on a number of projects since 2021. “He’s worked tirelessly to invest in his community and to grow his business, as well as create a legacy for his children and building generational wealth along the way.”
Based in the Twin Cities, Farrow’s role as a Business Access Advisor is part of the broader called U.S. Bank Access Commitment™ – a long-term vision for a group of initiatives aimed at working alongside communities and investing in them as they work toward building generational wealth.
Along with supporting entrepreneurs, U.S. Bank Access Commitment™ also provides support for current or aspiring homeowners through Access Home to help close the housing gap.
“This means investing in communities that have historically seen a lack of investment, whether that’s by helping entrepreneurs in underserved areas receive better access to capital, building connections with people and programs or helping families buy their first home,” Farrow said.
As for Wilson, he is currently working with Minneapolis-based engineers, architects and builders to solidify what’s possible.
Along with spaces for vendors and dining, he’s hoping to add more windows to the currently dark venue and salvage pieces of the building to keep some of its history while making sure that the business looks toward the future of the community.
This includes keeping some of the whiskey barrel paneling on the walls and potentially salvaging part of the bar that cuts the space nearly down the middle. He’s also replacing the old mural with something new that looks toward the future of the space and the community rather than looking back at the building as it was.
“I respect and appreciate the mural for what it is and how it’s welcomed people into North Minneapolis,” said Wilson, whose barbershop, Wilson’s Image, is also located on West Broadway. “However, I realize it’s time to cut ties with it because of the association it has had with the negative aspects of the 4th Street Saloon. The goal is to usher in a new feeling and fresh new energy with this space in this part of the community.”
Equal Housing Lender