Community Update & Thank You as of 2/1/26
We want to start by saying thank you truly for the outpouring of love, messages, and support we’ve received. It has meant everything to our team and reminded us how strong this community really is.
This GoFundMe was initially created to help support the staff at Xelas during this unexpected closure. As we continue to remain closed, we want to be transparent that we, as a business, still need your help. The funds raised will help support our staff and will also help cover ongoing expenses while we remain closed, as many costs continue even without income.
At this moment, El Sazón Eagan and Stillwater remain closed and are not generating income. While El Sazón Cocina & Tragos in Minneapolis remains open, it is not enough to cover the expenses or support the staff across our other locations.
Any continued support whether through donations, sharing our message, or simply checking in truly makes a difference.
Thank you for standing with us, for showing compassion, and for helping us take care of us and our people. We hope to share an update on reopening soon.
With gratitude,
El El Sazón owners
On Sunday night, Xelas by El Sazón was directly targeted, and one of our staff members was stopped while leaving the restaurant. After being interrogated and presenting his documentation, he was released. While we are grateful he is safe, this incident has changed our immediate plans.
Out of an abundance of caution and with the safety of our team as our top priority, we’ve made the difficult decision to temporarily pause operations at this location, as it is now being actively targeted. This was not an easy decision, especially as El Sazón now has two locations closed.
Our staff is the heart of Xelas by El Sazón. Many of our team members rely on their hourly wages to support themselves and their families, and this sudden interruption creates immediate financial strain. To help support our employees during this time, we have created a Staff Relief Fund to assist our team while we remain closed and determine next steps.
At this time, El Sazón Cocina & Tragos in Minneapolis remains open, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely while prioritizing the safety of our staff and guests across all locations.
Our commitment has always been to put people first our staff, their families, and the community that has supported us from the very beginning. Any support, including donating to the relief fund or simply sharing this message, makes a meaningful difference.
We are deeply grateful for the continued solidarity and care shown by our community during this difficult moment. We will provide updates as conditions evolve and as we work toward reopening Xelas when it is safe to do so.
With love and gratitude,
El Sazon