Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Cuts Ties with BBQ Mastermind Justin Sutherland Amid Legal Turmoil
In a move that sizzled through the Twin Cities, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine has terminated its partnership with renowned chef Justin Sutherland following his arrest on charges of threatening to shoot his girlfriend. The magazine had collaborated with Sutherland since 2018 for its fall barbecue festival, but it’s now searching for a new grill master.
Food and Dining Editor Stephanie March broke the news, announcing the end of the partnership in a heartfelt article that was probably drafted over several strong cups of coffee. "As of today, that partnership is dissolved," March declared, likely fighting back tears—or perhaps just a yawn.
Sutherland, who spent a not-so-relaxing weekend in jail, faces one felony count of threats of violence, according to a criminal complaint that reads like a particularly grim episode of a true crime series. Allegations include choking his girlfriend and threatening her with a gun, which sounds less like a recipe for success and more like a recipe for disaster.
The fallout has cast a shadow over Sutherland's bustling restaurant empire. Just last month, he announced plans to open Pearl & the Thief, a seafood haven, and Big E, a gourmet egg sandwich shop, in downtown Minneapolis. Whether these ventures will still open or be renamed to "Scrambled Plans" remains to be seen.
Sutherland also teamed up with the Rondo Community Land Trust to open a restaurant in St. Paul, a project now likely on the back burner. Meanwhile, Delaware North, which runs his Northern Soul restaurant at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, is keeping a watchful eye on the situation, possibly while nervously tapping a foot.
Despite the serious charges, Sutherland maintains his innocence, stating, "I am innocent of these charges and look forward to using the judicial system to prove my innocence." He added that the incident has prompted him to seek professional help and make significant changes in his life, which sounds like a wise course of action.
As the culinary world waits for the next development, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine is moving forward with a new food festival. The name might be different, but here's hoping the barbecue remains finger-licking good.