Cardamom Restaurant at Walker Art Center Shifts to QR Codes

Servers protest the sudden change, citing loss of jobs they loved.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a sleek, modern QR code reader device placed on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the technological disruption of the restaurant industry.The shift to QR code-based ordering at Cardamom restaurant raises concerns about the loss of personal connections in the dining experience.Minneapolis Today

The owner of Cardamom, a restaurant located inside the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, has announced a shift to a QR code-based ordering system, citing the need to ensure the long-term viability of the business. This sudden change has led to an outcry from the restaurant's servers, who are mourning the loss of jobs they deeply cherished.

Why it matters

The Cardamom restaurant has been a beloved fixture within the Walker Art Center, known for its unique dining experience and commitment to its staff. The shift to a QR code-based system raises concerns about the impact on local jobs and the potential loss of the personal touch that has made Cardamom a popular destination.

The details

Cardamom's owner, Daniel del Prado, stated that the change to a QR code-based ordering system was necessary to streamline operations and ensure the long-term sustainability of the business. However, the servers at Cardamom are devastated by the sudden loss of their jobs, which they had come to cherish for the personal connections they had built with the restaurant's patrons.

  • Cardamom announced the shift to QR code-based ordering on April 14, 2026.
  • The change is set to take effect on May 1, 2026.

The players

Daniel del Prado

The owner of Cardamom, the restaurant located inside the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

Cardamom

A restaurant located inside the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, known for its unique dining experience and commitment to its staff.

Walker Art Center

A renowned art museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which houses the Cardamom restaurant.

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What they’re saying

“We're devastated to lose the jobs we love. Cardamom was more than just a workplace – it was a community.”

— Samantha Wilkins, Former Cardamom server

What’s next

The servers at Cardamom are planning a rally to protest the sudden change and advocate for their jobs. The event is scheduled for April 20, 2026, outside the Walker Art Center.

The takeaway

The shift to QR code-based ordering at Cardamom highlights the ongoing challenges facing the restaurant industry, as businesses seek to adapt to changing consumer preferences and economic pressures. However, the loss of personal connections and local jobs is a significant concern that the community is rallying to address.