Michael Sundt has an extensive restaurant background, working alongside talented chefs and restaurant leaders for years. From Italian fare at the once cornerstone restaurant, Figlio in Uptown, Minneapolis, to seafood at the Boston Sea Party and Muffuletta, now known as Blue Point in Wayzata. All American dishes at several Champps Sports Bars, to Asian cuisine at the Asia Grille by Leann Chin. These experiences all led Mike to the themed restaurant of adventure, travel and taste that influenced the unique recipes of Café Odyssey, which was located at the Mall of America.
Nicole Sundt’s background in retail store management, gave her much experience with displaying product and seasonal décor. You will see evidence of this inside and out of Sunni’s all year round. After nine years in retail, Nicole decided to try out the restaurant business and that is how Mike and Nicole first met, while working together at Champps. They shared a common bond of how a successful restaurant should be run, through constant teamwork and attention to detail.
They were married in 1995 and had their beautiful daughter, Kelsey Rae in 1996. Their first family home was in Burnsville, MN, which they enjoyed remodeling and fixing up together as a family.
While working as the Chef in Café Odyssey, Mike met his co-worker and future business partner, Kelly Smith, who, sometime after the restaurant closed at the Mall of America, asked Mike if he would be interested in opening a place together in Howard Lake. Mike had been approached before on this subject, but this time, Mike accepted and moved his family to Howard Lake, MN. And after 7 years as business partners, they agreed it was time for a change and Kelly agreed to sell her share of the business to Mike.
Sunni’s Grille was established Labor Day weekend of September, 2003. The location of the new place was that of the old Red’s Family Restaurant on Highway 12. There were a lot of projects from tear out, clean up, auctions, remodeling, decorating and the list goes on. Everyone put their heart and souls into the place until the much anticipated opening in February of 2004. The reception was well worth all of their efforts. They trained a wonderful staff and Mike created a diverse and delicious menu. All of this combined with the cozy atmosphere, makes Sunni’s Grille a destination spot, where a person can grab a bite to eat and feel comfortable reading the paper, get some work done or meet with friends and family to converse and share a great meal.
Mike and Nicole look forward to the future of Sunni’s Grille, the rewards, the challenges, and the wonderful mix of guests that make each day new and exciting!
