Justin Sutherland Leaves Handsome Hog

There’s been some loose talk around town for the last few months, about whether or not chef Justin Sutherland was still a part of St. Paul’s Handsome Hog restaurant. Today, the former Top Chef contestant confirmed for me that he is now stepping away from the restaurant that helped fire up his career. 

“We’ve been trying to find a way to make it work for everybody, but as we look ahead to a fresh new year, it’s clear to me that it’s time to make a fresh start.” Sutherland initially sought to buy out his Madison Group partners in the southern restaurant with a killer patio in Cathedral Hill, but things haven’t gone as he had hoped. “I’m so proud of what we created with that place, the commitment to food that feeds your soul, and making a space where people in the Black community feel welcomed.”

It’s no secret that Sutherland, who recently came home with a Daytime Emmy for his #TasteTheCulture series, has been branching out to do more media. Sutherland said he’s currently working on a few television projects that he’s really excited about. And though no one confirmed it, there’s really no way he doesn’t make an appearance on the upcoming Wisconsin season of Top Chef.

Sutherland and his father Kerry Sutherland have formed their own restaurant  group in which they have full ownership stake in new concepts: Big E’s egg sandwich shop opened last year in Portland, OR and locally on Grand Ave; Northern Soul is now at both the airport and Grand View Lodge. Both of those are ready for growth. Sutherland also confirmed that he is working on a new concept in downtown Minneapolis, but isn’t ready to talk about the details yet.

“2024 is going to be a huge year, I’m so grateful for everything that’s come before, the good and the bad, I’m ready to take those lessons and embrace forward motion. Stay tuned for what’s to come!”