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When Minneapolis-based Lutunji Zeodata Abram spent hours in the kitchen during her childhood, she had no idea that preparing desserts would end up being her divine destiny, creating some of the best desserts in Minneapolis. She thought it was just a hobby.
Fast forward decades, and she is passionate about baking and her community. Abram considers her business, Lutunji’s Palate Bakery & Cafe, a social enterprise built with a whole lot of love.
Preparing plant-based, gluten-free and traditional gourmet desserts at her bakery and cafe, as well as giving back to her community, is what she lives for. From the Harriet’s Escape Peach Cobbler, Dr. T. Adams Philosophy Pecan Cobbler and Mama Taught Me Well Lemon Pound Cake to her variety of cookies, sandwiches, vegan burgers, soups and salads and Don’t Bring Me No Bad News smoothies, the creative options are always attracting new customers.
“I’ve been baking with my mother for as long as I can remember. I taught myself how to bake plant-based and gluten-free desserts. [I] simply flipped all mother taught me to vegan. Of course, I consult with amazing plant-based chefs. Namely, Heather with Root to Rise Foundation, who gently encourages me to think about becoming a 100% plant-based bakery and cafe,” says Abram.
She adds, “My desserts stand out from others because my desserts have a unique taste and purpose designed to bring people together from all walks of life. Seriously, people approach me at the farmer’s markets, vending events and the bakery just to tell us how our cobblers are the best they’ve ever tasted and turned their sadness into joy.”
For the Love of Community
As a former career and technology employee turned full-time entrepreneur, Abram began her entrepreneurial journey co-creating youth and young adult soft skill and parent engagement curriculums.
She hosted family engagement seminars that included bartering and learning to support one another on one’s mission to self-sufficiency. The workshops were developed with community organizations providing various resources for families.
Later, she would provide 6-week parent engagement workshops with parents of elementary through high school students, including organizing graduations and civic engagement leaders as keynote speakers.
The Minnesota native also served as a legislative aide from 2007 to 2011, where she scheduled meetings with constituents, lobbyists, and special interest groups, organized community town hall meetings, and wrote letters to constituents.
“I am passionate about community because I was raised in a community where unity and care were so important. Living amidst this love encouraged me to carry the torch forward in a world full of so much hate and disunity,” says Abram.
Little did she know, her dreams of working in the community would take a detour, and her newfound love for baking some of the best desserts in Minneapolis would multiply into numerous opportunities.
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Making an Impact and Baking the Best Desserts in Minneapolis
She initially approached a pastor at a historic church in South Minneapolis about launching a charter school for teen parents in partnership with her organization, Voices of Effective Change, but left with new opportunities in launching a bakery and cafe.
During the meeting, Abram not only discussed her dreams and goals, she also took her signature peach cobbler as a sign of respect and gratitude and the pastor took one bite and Lutunji’s Palate was born. “This was the divine order manifested,” she says.
She knew at that moment that her passion for delicious desserts would be the catalyst for her mission to bring effective change to the community.
“Impact is literally and figuratively baked into our model. We bake with people and community in mind by partnering with teen programs, a young adult program and a program for men returning to society after incarceration, teaching community members about baking and how to run a business,” says Abram.
“I have always loved to bake sweet treats and felt it was a hobby. What I didn’t realize is that the practice and consistency of baking were part of my destiny.”
The community advocate adds, “This was my destiny and no one would tell me differently, yet God had a ‘detour plan’ that is preparing me for the launch of my state-of-the-art school. I’ve not always cooked good food for large groups of people, but I will say family knew I would be the one to bring dessert to any get-together. Since launching Lutunji’s Palate, I’ve been feeding the masses since 2018.”
In addition to providing employment opportunities, Lutunji’s Palate Bakery & Cafe serves as a community gathering spot. She provides a space in Minneapolis for healing after the recent racial tensions and the pandemic.
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Partnered with Community Development Institutes
She has partnered with several community development institutes to work with youth, young adults, and men previously incarcerated. “We pride ourselves in building authentic relationships with individuals desiring to be challenged by leveling up to reach one’s potential.
Ultimately, supporting the individual in becoming self-sufficient to care for themselves and their families,” says Abram.
When Abram began baking gourmet plant-based and gluten-free desserts, she knew she was on to something, but she had no idea how fast her business would grow, and the desserts would be in such high demand and known as some of the best desserts in Minneapolis.
The desserts can be found in restaurants throughout the Twin Cities, grocery stores, and gourmet specialty stores. They are enjoyed by Emmy-winning host and Food Network host chef Justin Sutherland, among others.
Abram is not done yet. In fact, she is just getting started. Her future endeavors include purchasing a warehouse for mass production and housing her teen parent charter school, where students can participate in an entrepreneurial and culinary training program.
Visit Lutunji’s Palate Bakery & Cafe’s website for the full menu, catering and online orders. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook and X for customer highlights, event alerts and more.
If you’re in the area, stop by 1400 Park Avenue South, #1010, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
Mention you read the story in Cuisine Noir magazine and receive 15% percent off orders of $20 or more.
