Kitchen and Rail Opens in Golden Valley, Blending Legacy and Growth

GOLDEN VALLEY, MN – February 20, 2026 – The Twin Cities dining scene is set to welcome a highly anticipated newcomer to the west metro as Kitchen and Rail officially opens its second location in Golden Valley on Monday, February 23. The new restaurant, situated in the former Mort's Deli space, marks a significant expansion for the locally owned concept that first captured the suburban palate with its Eagan debut in 2022.

From Suburban Standout to Strategic Expansion

In just a few short years, Kitchen and Rail's original Eagan location evolved from a new venture into a culinary institution. The restaurant quickly became one of the metro's "most sought-after reservations," earning the coveted title of 'Best New Restaurant in the Twin Cities' in the 2023 Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine Readers' Poll. Its success was built on a promise to deliver a "Minneapolis-quality" dining experience to the suburbs, a concept that resonated deeply with the community.

The expansion into Golden Valley is a calculated move, building on this proven track record. Founder Victor Salamone and his team identified the area as an "'A' location in an 'A' marketplace," ripe for the unique blend of elevated comfort food and vibrant atmosphere that defines their brand. The move signifies not just growth, but a strategic scaling of a successful local business poised to make its mark on another corner of the Twin Cities.

A Nod to the Past, A Stake in the Future

The choice of location is deeply intentional. For 14 years, the space at the Golden Valley Shopping Center was home to Mort's Deli, a beloved New York-style delicatessen that served as a long-standing community gathering spot until its closure in 2022. Rather than erase that history, Kitchen and Rail is embracing it.

In a heartfelt tribute to its predecessor, the menu will feature "The MORT," a classic New York–style sandwich piled high with a half-pound of pastrami on caraway rye with stone-ground mustard. This homage acknowledges the building's legacy and signals a commitment to becoming a new neighborhood staple.

This opening also coincides with a major revitalization of the Golden Valley Shopping Center. The property was acquired by Paster Properties in June 2025, and the developer has embarked on a comprehensive plan to modernize the 1950s-era strip mall with exterior upgrades, new landscaping, and improved parking. Kitchen and Rail is positioned as a cornerstone dining destination in this renewal, anchoring the center's next chapter and contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of the area.

The Personal Plate: A Founder's Family Recipe for Success

For founder Victor Salamone, the restaurant business is personal. His vision for Kitchen and Rail is steeped in family history and lessons learned from a young age at his father's Milwaukee restaurant, Victorio's. This heritage is the philosophical backbone of the brand.

"When you grow up in restaurants, you don't think about scale. You think about survival," Salamone shared. "My dad's restaurant in Milwaukee was everything to our family. I learned that consistency is what keeps the lights on." This principle of consistency is evident in the menu, which features meticulously crafted dishes designed to be reliably excellent. The restaurant's proprietary wine label is even named Victorio's in honor of his father's establishment.

This connection to family is most deliciously represented by one of the menu's signature items. "That's why Nana's meatballs are on the menu," Salamone explained. "They're a reminder of where we started." This personal touch transforms the restaurant from a simple business into a story of heritage, passion, and perseverance. It's this ethos that Salamone hopes will resonate with the Golden Valley community.

New Tastes and Experiences for the West Metro

Patrons of the Golden Valley location can expect the full Kitchen and Rail experience that made the Eagan restaurant a smash hit. The menu will feature celebrated favorites like the Famous Filet Mignon Sandwich and Nana's Meatballs, alongside its full craft cocktail program.

However, the new outpost will also introduce offerings unique to the brand. For the first time, Kitchen and Rail will offer weekday lunch service, with a full menu designed to cater to everything from business meetings to casual midday meals. The location also boasts a beautiful private event space, available for reservations and poised to host community gatherings and special occasions.

As Kitchen and Rail prepares to open its doors, the focus remains squarely on community integration. "Golden Valley has a lot of pride in its local spots, and we're proud to join them," Salamone stated. "If we can become part of someone's weekly lunch rotation or their regular bar seat, that's success to me." The restaurant will open to the public for both lunch and dinner service beginning Monday, February 23rd.