Brooks Johnson
Food and Manufacturing Reporter
Food and ManufacturingRaised in Fargo and educated at the University of Montana, Johnson worked at newspapers in Idaho, Washington and Duluth before joining the Star Tribune at its relaunched Duluth bureau in 2019. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and their young son and is looking for new streams to fly-fish.
Latest from Brooks Johnson
Business
How Kwik Trip created a cult-like following in the Midwest
The Wisconsin-based regional gas station chain has become a cultural icon in the area thanks to its focus on affordable prices, crave-worthy food and kind workers.
September 28, 2024
MN Fortune 500
3M health care spinoff Solventum seeking state help to keep HQ in Minnesota
A move to Eagan would keep the new Fortune 500 company in Minnesota but separate from its current home in 3M’s Maplewood campus.
September 27, 2024
Business
Cargill's consumer TrendTracker reveals 'battle between reward and guilt'
Cargill research shows consumers make calculations on how many healthy choices give “permission to indulge.”
September 26, 2024
Business
Former Schwan’s delivery service, Yelloh, shutting down after 72 years as a Minnesota business
The food delivery business with the iconic yellow trucks “has regrettably run its life cycle,” says one board member. The Schwan’s name lives on in frozen foods after a South Korean company bought that part of the business in 2019.
September 23, 2024
Business
Northeast Minneapolis’ Fair State Brewing exits bankruptcy, eyes ‘fresh start’
Upgrades are in the works after the Minnesota brewery found a path through its debt.
September 23, 2024
Agriculture
Organic Valley turning pasture into green ‘buzz-worthy’ billboard on Minnesota farm
Cows feeding around fences are being used to spell out ad visible from miles up on farm outside Elko New Market.
September 19, 2024
Business
Minneapolis-based commercial bakery acquired in deal that could be worth $2.5 billion
Rise Baking Co. grew rapidly through acquisitions after it was founded in 2013.
September 19, 2024
MN Fortune 500
After ditching Yoplait, General Mills on the hunt for an acquisition
The Minnesota food giant wants to spend up to $2 billion for a “bolt-on” addition as it announces quarterly profits dropped 14%.
September 18, 2024
Business
Northeast Minneapolis’ Fair State Brewing exits bankruptcy, eyes ‘fresh start’
Upgrades are in the works after the Minnesota brewery found a path through its debt.
September 23, 2024
Agriculture
Organic Valley turning pasture into green ‘buzz-worthy’ billboard on Minnesota farm
Cows feeding around fences are being used to spell out ad visible from miles up on farm outside Elko New Market.
September 19, 2024
Business
Minneapolis-based commercial bakery acquired in deal that could be worth $2.5 billion
Rise Baking Co. grew rapidly through acquisitions after it was founded in 2013.
September 19, 2024
MN Fortune 500
After ditching Yoplait, General Mills on the hunt for an acquisition
The Minnesota food giant wants to spend up to $2 billion for a “bolt-on” addition as it announces quarterly profits dropped 14%.
September 18, 2024