Foodies Take Heart: Mustard Seed Spice Co. Opens in Albertville

Patrick Brown was working as a food executive, hopping planes from Minneapolis to Chicago, making drives from his Otsego home to the airport, when it hit him one day. 

Now was the time to make a move. 

He'd always wanted to own his own business. After nearly 30 years in the industry, from working the counters at Wendy's during his college years to an executive position with Aramark and finally Morrison Food Management (a group that provides catering for several hospital groups in the upper midwest), it was time to step away. 

"I hit 50 and thought, 'It's time to do this.' I had the background with food, and with cooking at home gaining in popularity the way it has, with the innovation of Food TV and shops like this, it seemed like it was perfect," Brown said. 

And so, Mustard Seed Spice Co. was born. The store, which is located in former Insparation Salon spot in the Shoppes at Prairie Run in Albertville (also home to Patti J's and Snap Fitness), will feature seasonings, rubs, spices, cooking tips and tricks, and anything else you might need to make your next night of entertaining a success. 

Brown and his daughter, Amanda, will staff the shop, which will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Fridays and 10:30 to 4:30 on Saturdays. The doors opened for the first time Tuesday, Dec. 17. 

"We know there are other things around here that kind of have this same market, but I think we can fill a very different niche," Brown said, referring to Midwest Rubs, which is located in nearby St. Michael. "They do a terrific job with those. I think we're really going for that 'Foodie' crowd, or the wanna-be gourmet. Someone who knows that working in the kitchen means more than just adding salt or pepper," Brown said. 

During his time in the food service industry, Brown was able to take a course at the Culinary Institute of America for two weeks. That sparked his own interest in cooking and creating new things in the kitchen. 

"Our house is always the spot for entertaining," he said. He and his wife live north of Towne Lakes, just across the border into Otsego. "Our neighborhood is full of younger, 30-somethings who want to get into things like wine and cooking. So it's fun. I really enjoy it. And I thought I could bring that here." 

Brown and his daughter will have the store open for special hours on Dec. 22 and 23, keeping the doors open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and 10:30 to 6 on Monday. 

"We've bottled more than 600 seasonings already. I really think people will like our special all-purpose (AP) mix. It's my go-to," Brown said. 

The store will be expanding into vinegars and oils, too, he said. 

"It's the next step. There are so many good combinations out there that you can use on anything from your salads to breads to a main course. Again, it's about expanding what you can do in your own home," he added. 

For more, check out Mustard Seed Spice Co. on Facebook. A new website is also now ready to roll as the store continues its rollout this week.