Retail stores and restaurants require specialized construction that addresses customer flow, merchandising displays, commercial kitchen equipment, and health department regulations. We build customer-facing environments that balance aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency and code compliance.

Restaurant kitchens require specialized construction including grease traps, hood systems with make-up air, three-compartment sinks, walk-in coolers, gas lines for cooking equipment, and floor drains with proper pitch. We coordinate with health department inspectors, install equipment per manufacturer specifications, and ensure all plumbing and gas connections meet commercial food service codes.
Retail success depends on customer flow, product visibility, and checkout efficiency. We design and build custom display fixtures, install track lighting that highlights merchandise, create fitting rooms with proper ventilation, and position point-of-sale areas that prevent bottlenecks during peak traffic while providing loss prevention sightlines.
Restaurant dining spaces balance atmosphere, seating capacity, and operational efficiency. We install durable commercial-grade flooring that withstands heavy traffic, create acoustically treated spaces that control noise levels, build service stations near kitchen access points, and ensure adequate clearances for ADA accessibility between tables and to restrooms.

Our commercial construction services extend throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. While we maintain our headquarters in Minneapolis and complete most projects within city limits, we regularly work on build-outs in surrounding communities where businesses operate in suburban markets, industrial parks, and neighborhood commercial districts.
Proudly serving St. Paul, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka and Plymouth for 15+ years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial Construction can be complex, and we’re here to provide answers to common questions. Here are some frequently asked questions from our clients.
Commercial build-out costs vary significantly by business type and finish quality. Basic office or retail build-outs cost $40-75 per square foot. Restaurants with commercial kitchens run $80-150 per square foot due to plumbing and equipment complexity. Industrial and warehouse projects cost $30-60 per square foot depending on equipment requirements. These estimates cover construction but not furniture, fixtures, or specialized equipment your business provides.
Yes, we manage all permit applications, building department coordination, and required inspections throughout your project. Commercial construction typically requires building permits, electrical permits, mechanical permits, plumbing permits for kitchens or restrooms, and fire department approvals for certain occupancies. We maintain positive relationships with Minneapolis inspectors and understand code requirements for all commercial business types.
Yes, we regularly perform construction in occupied buildings through phased approaches. We create temporary work areas, schedule disruptive work during off-hours, install dust containment barriers, and coordinate with your team on timing for any necessary utility shutdowns. This extends project duration but eliminates relocation costs and maintains revenue during construction.
Timeline depends on project type and scope. Simple office or retail build-outs require 8-12 weeks from permit approval to completion. Restaurants need 12-16 weeks due to commercial kitchen complexity. Warehouse and industrial projects run 10-16 weeks depending on equipment installation requirements. Permit approval adds 2-4 weeks before construction starts. We provide detailed schedules during initial consultations.
We coordinate with architects and designers you select, working from their plans and specifications. For simpler projects not requiring architectural services, we provide design-build approaches where we handle both design and construction. This streamlines the process and often reduces overall project costs while maintaining quality and code compliance.
Existing buildings sometimes reveal hidden conditions—deteriorated structures, unexpected utilities, or code violations not visible before demolition. We document all conditions with photos, explain impacts on cost and schedule, and provide options for addressing issues before proceeding. Our change order process is transparent with detailed explanations and pricing for any necessary modifications to original scope.
Restaurants require building permits for construction, plumbing permits for kitchen equipment and grease traps, mechanical permits for hood systems, electrical permits for equipment connections, and health department plan review before opening. We manage all permit applications and coordinate required inspections throughout construction.
Commercial kitchen costs depend on equipment scope and space preparation requirements. Basic kitchens start around $60,000-80,000 including hood system, three-compartment sink, prep tables, and equipment connections. Full-service restaurant kitchens typically cost $100,000-200,000+ including walk-in coolers, extensive equipment, and gas line installations.
Yes, we coordinate with equipment suppliers you select and handle all installation including gas and water connections, electrical hookups, and required clearances. We ensure installations meet manufacturer specifications and pass health department inspections. Many clients purchase equipment separately while we provide all construction and connection work.
Restaurants require extensive plumbing for commercial kitchens including grease traps and floor drains, hood systems with make-up air, higher electrical capacity for cooking equipment, and health department inspections. Retail build-outs focus on customer presentation with display fixtures, point-of-sale areas, and storage spaces, typically involving less MEP complexity but more custom millwork.
Schedule Your Construction Consultation
From restaurant kitchens to warehouse facilities, retail stores to office spaces, we deliver complete commercial build-outs across every business vertical. Our construction services address the full project lifecycle—design consultation, permit coordination, multi-trade construction, and final inspections that get you to certificate of occupancy.
We pride ourselves on delivering great results and experiences for each client. Hear directly from home and business owners who’ve trusted us with their Commercial Construction needs.

They built our complete restaurant from empty shell space including the commercial kitchen with hood system, walk-in coolers, and all equipment connections. We passed health department inspection on the first visit and opened on schedule. Their experience with restaurant requirements saved us from costly mistakes other contractors would have made.
Michael Torres, Owner - Full Service Restaurant

Our warehouse expansion required adding two loading dock positions and installing foundations for heavy manufacturing equipment. They coordinated structural engineering, managed utility relocations, and completed the project without disrupting ongoing production operations. The docks function perfectly and equipment foundations were exactly to specification.
Lisa Anderson, Facilities Director - Manufacturing Company

Building out our craft cocktail bar meant satisfying fire marshal occupancy requirements, installing three separate bar stations with draft systems, and coordinating liquor license inspections. They navigated all the regulatory requirements and delivered a space that creates the atmosphere we envisioned while meeting every compliance standard.
Jason Kim, Managing Partner - Cocktail Bar
Ready to hear more about expert services at Minneapolis Commercial Interiors?
Contact us today to receive a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Minneapolis Metro, MN
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm, Saturday: 11am-3pm
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