Small Business Spotlight: Vellee

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The founders of Vellee Deli opened a satellite location in Northeast Minneapolis – called simply Vellee. It is located on the ground floor of NordHaus at the corner of University Avenue NE and 1st Avenue NE. We spoke to Will Xiong, who owns the deli and restaurant with his wife, Joyce Truong.

Q:  Congratulations on your restaurant expansion to Northeast Minneapolis. Does this make three food service operations for you - two restaurants and a food truck too?

A:  Actually, it is only two operations for now. The food truck is still in storage, but we plan to bring it out once we work out all the logistics. Come visit us in NE Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 8:30 pm.

Barbacoa Taco Lettuce wrap

Duck Taco

Q:  For people just learning of Vellee, it is a Mexican-Pan Asian fusion restaurant. Why this combination? What might we find on the menu?

A:  We think it's the best of both worlds. Marinated Pan Asian meats and Mexican-inspired sauces makes for a memorable dining experience that’s fresh and accessible. You'll find Korean BBQ burritos, Thai curry burritos, Vietnamese tacos as well as classic bahn mi's (duck confit, BBQ pork and tofu).

Q:  Tell us about the words - Simmer, Sizzle, Scorch - in your logo. 

A:  This is how we describe our spice levels. We refer to them as "kicks" levels 1-3. Simmer (1 Kick), Sizzle (2 Kicks) and Scorch (3 Kicks). We grow our own sun-dried Thai chili peppers and grind them down to heat dust for those looking for an additional zip in their meal.

Q:  What is one item from your menu that everyone must try?

A:  We're best known for our Korean BBQ and Chicken Curry burritos, but a must try at our NordHaus location is our barbacoa tacos. They've been outselling everything since we've opened. Oh, I just thought of another best seller that you must try – duck taco!

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Please do follow us on all our social channels: Twitter: @velleedeli, Instagram: @velleemn and Facebook.