Minneapolis Community Rallies to Support Mercado Central Businesses

Immigrant-owned shops at the Mercado Central marketplace see sales drop after Operation Metro Surge, but locals show up to help.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:40am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring an arrangement of handcrafted ceramic bowls, vibrant textiles, and fresh produce on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the diverse cuisine, artisanal crafts, and community spirit of the Mercado Central marketplace.A visual celebration of the cultural richness and entrepreneurial spirit embodied by the immigrant-owned businesses of Minneapolis' Mercado Central.Minneapolis Today

Mercado Central, a thriving marketplace in Minneapolis housing three dozen immigrant-owned businesses, has seen a significant drop in sales since the start of Operation Metro Surge. However, the local community has rallied to support the businesses, showing up in person, donating online, and making a concerted effort to frequent the shops and restaurants at the Mercado.

Why it matters

The Mercado Central is more than just a marketplace - it's a hub of culture, community, and small business in Minneapolis. The drop in sales due to Operation Metro Surge threatens the livelihoods of the immigrant entrepreneurs who own these businesses, as well as the loss of an important cultural institution for the local community.

The details

Many regular customers stopped coming to the Mercado Central after Operation Metro Surge began, causing a noticeable change. However, the community has responded with a wave of support, from online donations to simply showing up and patronizing the businesses. Community members say every visit and dollar matters to ensure the Mercado Central doesn't become forgotten.

  • Operation Metro Surge began in early 2026, leading to a drop in customers at the Mercado Central.
  • On April 10, 2026, community members organized a rally and event to show support for the Mercado Central businesses.

The players

Ajeleth Moreno

A business owner at El Rincon Pupuseria, one of the businesses located in the Mercado Central.

Joscan Moreno

A business owner at the Mercado Central.

Rose Gomez

A community member who attended the event to show support for the Mercado Central businesses.

Simon Fitzkappes

A community member who expressed concern about the potential loss of the Mercado Central, describing it as a unique and important community space.

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What they’re saying

“We're a co-op. We're all business owners that just need support from our community.”

— Ajeleth Moreno, Business owner, El Rincon Pupuseria

“Our regulars would not be here at all in the beginning months, but we did get really good support for the community.”

— Joscan Moreno, Business owner, Mercado Central

“I think it's important to set an example and to show other community members that we are still here. We still need to be showing up and there's so many beautiful examples of resilience out here today.”

— Rose Gomez, Community member

“These places are few and far between, I don't know if I know of any place exactly like this. And for our community to lose such a great spot, it's really detrimental. We all hope that doesn't happen.”

— Simon Fitzkappes, Community member

What’s next

The community members who attended the event to support the Mercado Central businesses say they will continue to show up and patronize the shops and restaurants, in order to ensure the marketplace remains a vibrant part of the Minneapolis community.

The takeaway

The Mercado Central is more than just a marketplace - it's a cultural hub and community gathering place that is vital to the immigrant entrepreneurs who own the businesses there, as well as the broader Minneapolis community. The outpouring of support from locals shows the importance of these types of small businesses and the need to protect them, even in the face of challenges like government enforcement actions.