Walker Art Center Severs Ties with Cardamom Restaurant After QR Code Staffing Controversy

Cardamom restaurant at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis will close within 60 to 90 days following the museum's decision to end their partnership. The eatery's operator, chef Daniel del Prado, had eliminated 16 front-of-house positions while implementing QR code ordering, a move that surprised museum leadership. Walker director Mary Ceruti stated the restaurant's actions contradicted institutional values of creating welcoming environments for guests. Cardamom representatives cited persistent unprofitability and industry challenges as motivations for the staffing changes, claiming QR systems would provide more stable hours for remaining employees. A protest was scheduled outside the museum on Thursday afternoon. The Walker is now soliciting proposals for a new dining establishment to replace Cardamom, which opened in 2021.