Chef Justin Sutherland is an acclaimed culinary entrepreneur recognized for his inventive blend of Southern and local flavors.
He has developed a modest but impactful restaurant collection emphasizing strong regional ties and unique dining experiences.
This article covers how many restaurants Justin Sutherland owns, outlines his current portfolio from casual sandwich shops to fine dining and examines his concentrated yet growing presence within select U.S. cities.
How Many Restaurants Does Justin Sutherland Have?
As of 2026, Sutherland operates two active restaurant concepts — Big E and Northern Soul — each with two locations in the United States.
His restaurant footprint is regionally focused, with the majority of locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding areas, along with one location in Portland, Oregon.
Unlike many celebrity Chefs who expand internationally, Sutherland has taken a localized growth approach, building strong restaurant concepts within a smaller geographic footprint.
His portfolio includes both casual-dining and fine-dining concepts, and none of his restaurants are franchised. Instead, they are independently operated in partnership with local groups such as Restore Restaurant Holdings and Sherman Associates.
Although his restaurants have received recognition for quality and creativity, none currently hold Michelin stars.
Justin Sutherland Restaurant Concepts and Locations
Justin Sutherland’s restaurant portfolio consists of two concepts, each offering a distinct dining experience:
- Big E – a gourmet egg sandwich concept
- Northern Soul – a Southern comfort food concept
These concepts showcase Sutherland’s culinary identity, combining Southern flavors with modern comfort food and elevated dining experiences.
Big E Restaurants
Big E is one of Justin Sutherland’s signature concepts, focused on gourmet egg sandwiches with creative flavor combinations.
The brand offers a casual dining experience, featuring sandwiches named after popular songs and built with high-quality ingredients. It blends comfort food with a modern twist, making it approachable yet distinctive.
Big E currently operates two locations:
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Portland, Oregon
Northern Soul
Northern Soul is a casual dining concept centered on Southern-style comfort food.
The restaurant offers dishes inspired by traditional Southern cuisine, providing hearty, flavorful meals in a relaxed setting.
Northern Soul operates two locations:
- Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (Minnesota)
- Nisswa, Minnesota
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Justin Sutherland’s Culinary Partnerships and Achievements
Beyond his restaurants, Justin Sutherland has built a strong reputation through television appearances, culinary innovation and business partnerships.
He gained national recognition through appearances on cooking shows such as Iron Chef, which helped establish his profile as a leading voice in modern American cuisine.
His restaurant ventures are supported by local partnerships, particularly with Restore Restaurant Holdings and Sherman Associates, which have played a key role in expanding his concepts within Minnesota.
Sutherland’s work is known for its emphasis on community, regional identity and creative reinterpretations of Southern cuisine.
Future Expansion Plans for Justin Sutherland’s Restaurants
As of 2026, Justin Sutherland continues to focus on regional growth, primarily within Minnesota and select U.S. markets.
One of the most notable upcoming developments is the planned return of Pearl & the Thief, his fine dining concept. While the restaurant is not currently open, it is in the process of being revived.
Sutherland plans to reopen Pearl & the Thief at the street level of the O2 Luxury Tower in downtown Minneapolis, where it is expected to serve both residents and the surrounding community as a premium dining destination.
Beyond this revival, future expansion is likely to remain strategic and localized, building on the success of his existing concepts while maintaining strong ties to the Minneapolis area.
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