Krewe Co-Owner Named to Initiative Foundation’s Board of Trustees

(KNSI) — A local restaurant owner has been appointed to the Initiative Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

According to a press release from foundation president Matt Varilek, Mateo Mackbee grew up in Bloomington and now lives in St. Joseph with his partner, Erin Rae. They co-own and operate Krewe, which is a nationally renowned New Orleans heritage restaurant. They also co-own and operate Flour & Flower, an artisan bakery and flower shop.

The couple partnered with the Initiative Foundation on a loan to open the businesses in early 2020.

Before opening their St. Joseph businesses, Mackbee and Rae owned and operated Model Citizen, a restaurant in New London. The duo also operated a nonprofit, Model Citizen Youth Farm.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mateo to our distinguished Board of Trustees,” Varilek said. “Mateo has been a solid partner of the Foundation, and he will be a great fit and complement to the other leaders and decision-makers from across Central Minnesota who guide our work.”

“I hope to [reinforce] the idea that it is possible for a person of color to be successful in Central Minnesota,” Mackbee said. “I want to be the reflection in the mirror … for everyone who may dare to dream to own a business and live in a rural Central Minnesota community.

“The communities in Central Minnesota are some of the best places I have lived in,” he said, “and to be able to continue my family’s legacy of serving the community is both a privilege and an honor.”

He joins 14 other regional leaders who help shape, guide, and inform the Initiative Foundation in its regional mission to empower people throughout Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a lasting culture of generosity.

Mackbee enjoys playing golf, bowling, fishing, traveling, working on old cars and motorcycles, and spending time outdoors with Rae and their chocolate lab, Oliver.

Click here to learn more.

___