Brooklyn Center EDA Backs Business and Event Center Proposal

Developer Tommy McNeal's plan for a 30,000-square-foot entrepreneurship and hospitality hub receives enthusiastic support from city officials.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:38pm

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The Brooklyn Center Economic Development Authority has signaled strong interest in a proposal from Crystal-based developer Tommy McNeal to build a 30,000-square-foot business and event center in the city. McNeal's vision includes an indoor event venue, hotel suites, a shared commercial kitchen, a workplace and business incubator, and catering operations featuring his existing ventures Flame Mobile Kitchen and SPARK Ignites workforce development nonprofit.

Why it matters

The proposed development would bring new entrepreneurial, hospitality, and workforce development resources to Brooklyn Center, aligning with the city's economic development goals. As a longtime community partner, McNeal's track record has helped build confidence in the project's feasibility and sustainability.

The details

McNeal presented his concept to the Brooklyn Center EDA on March 23, receiving enthusiastic support from commissioners who cited his experience and the project's potential benefits. The one-acre site is zoned for neighborhood mixed-use and would require a conditional use permit. City staff will now draft a development agreement, with McNeal needing to bring a formal proposal to the Planning Commission before final EDA review.

  • On March 23, 2026, McNeal presented his concept to the Brooklyn Center EDA.
  • In the coming weeks, city staff will draft a development agreement for the project.

The players

Tommy McNeal

Founder and CEO of McNeal Management, which has proposed the business and event center project. McNeal also operates the Flame Mobile Kitchen catering service and the SPARK Ignites workforce development nonprofit.

Ian Alexander

Brooklyn Center Economic Development Manager, who called the proposed project a 'great fit' for the city.

Brooklyn Center Economic Development Authority

The city agency that owns the one-acre parcel of land McNeal plans to purchase for the development.

April Graves

Mayor of Brooklyn Center and president of the EDA, who expressed support for the project.

Teneshia Kragness

Brooklyn Center EDA commissioner who welcomed McNeal's proposal.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited about the opportunity of bringing more professional development and economic stimulus to the city of Brooklyn Center.”

— Tommy McNeal, Founder and CEO, McNeal Management

“I got the distinct privilege of not only reviewing your website thoroughly, but I also picked up the phone and called you. You answered all of my questions directly, and several of them were difficult, I know, but I am very comfortable, and I simply would leave it with this: a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single footstep, and tonight, I'm hoping you can take the first full footstep, and I do welcome you. I think it is a wonderful project.”

— Dan Jerzak, Brooklyn Center EDA Commissioner

“I'm supportive too. I know that this is something you've been working on for a while, and so I'm excited to see that we've gotten to this point. Thanks for coming in and being here to share your vision with us.”

— April Graves, Mayor of Brooklyn Center and EDA President

What’s next

City staff will draft a development agreement for the project, which McNeal will then need to bring to the Brooklyn Center Planning Commission for approval before returning to the EDA for final review.

The takeaway

This proposed business and event center development represents an opportunity for Brooklyn Center to attract new entrepreneurial, hospitality, and workforce development resources to the city, building on the track record and community ties of the project's experienced developer.