Elotés Changes Name to Woodfired Cantina After Protests and Petition - Eater Twin Cities

"Bowing to mounting pressure from the Mexican and Latinx community members, owners Brian and Sarah Ingram of Elotes Woodfired Cantina have agreed to drop the word “elotes” from the new restaurant’s name. Soon after the restaurant was announced to take over the former In Bloom location inside the Keg and Case food hall, concerns were raised about the restaurant’s ownership structure not including any Latinx individuals and appropriating Mexican culture. Their concerns solidified around the use of “elotes.” In a petition demanding the name change that, as of today garnered 232 signatures, organizers stated, “The problem is not cooking their interpretation of Mexican food, it’s the name of this restaurant that is problematic and unacceptable.” The Ingram’s had heard, prior to opening the business for its first night, that concerns were mounting and that protestors were planning to descend upon the business at 6 p.m. Thursday night. They stood outside on West 7th Street and listened to those who had arrived and responded to concerns by changing the restaurant’s name, logo, and website, and worked to remove signs." - Joy Summers