There’s a tale behind “the Fish” that bears telling—a story of a couple who has discovered a way to feed their missionary spirit while satisfying two communities’ need for gathering places. Since 2004, Athena and Sheff Priest have operated Tin Fish—dining spots at Lake Calhoun and, most recently, at Braemar Park. The path that led them to running these venues began along a pier off the coast of San Diego, Calif.
As Project Mexico missionaries during the early 2000s, the couple built homes in border areas near Tijuana. Sheff and Athena spent summers in Mexico and called San Diego home the rest of the year. While the Priests enjoyed their work, there were times when they needed to “sit and catch our bearings,” Athena says. They’d find their way along a pier to a restaurant called Tin Fish, where they developed a friendship with the owner, who took note of their work ethic and encouraged them to open their own Tin Fish. A seed was planted.
Sheff and Athena returned to Minnesota after two years with Project Mexico. And during a walk around Lake Calhoun, inspiration conspired with their Tin Fish dream when they passed by the park building where the city offered a thin menu to just a few diners. This would be an ideal spot, they thought, for Minnesota’s first Tin Fish, which is now a vibrant summer tradition in the City of Lakes.
Menus at both locations are essentially the same; fast-casual fare featuring from-scratch, cook-to-order options. Beer, wine and homemade lemonade are also available. Braemar also offers a “turn” menu, referring to the “turn” golfers make between the front and back nines. The separate walk-up line features grab-and-go items. Most popular are the fish tacos and the mini Tin sandwich, boasting two fried pieces of cod with homemade tartar sauce and hot sauce on a brat bun. “It’s $4, and it’s ridiculous [read: delicious],” Sheff says.
What isn’t ridiculous was the idea from Ann Kattreh, Edina parks and recreation director, who approached the Priests about replacing Braemar Golf Course’s grill restaurant with a year-round Tin Fish. “I’ve been visiting Tin Fish at Lake Calhoun for many years and have always been impressed with the quality of food and service,” Kattreh says. What really hooked her was the Priests’ community-orientated philosophy which they’ve carried over to Braemar. Open less than a year, the site has been well received. “[Athena] says, ‘We feed golfers by day and families by night,’ ” says Sheff.
Athena considers their endeavor as being in “the business of keeping communities working as a community.” She explains the relevance of both sites in terms of “the third place,” which is used in community building to identify social settings apart from home and work. Athena has long witnessed the concept in action at Calhoun and now, in Edina. In addition to the expected Braemar golfers, other groups have begun to gather to play bridge, grab a bite or beverage, or while away time during kids’ team practices at the nearby ice arena.
Through their tenure with Tin Fish, the couple has developed friendships with customers and a familial spirit with employees. “We have, without planning it, a family,” Athena says, calling the 60 seasonal workers their children by summer and nieces and nephews in the off season. Whatever the season, the Priests have a mission. “All we’re trying to do is make it a great day,” Athena says.
Visit the new Tin Fish at Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive. For more information call 952.941.5573.
