Tiny Diner

The Tiny Diner has established itself as a unique blend of restaurant and educational farm, dedicated to integrating local foods into its menus and demonstrating sustainable living practices. Known for its innovative approach, the Tiny Diner has become a hub for community learning and ecological health.

The Tiny Diner employs permaculture principles to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. They focus on increasing urban soil fertility, creating natural habitats for pollinators and urban wildlife, and producing renewable energy with their solar array. Their biointensive urban farming methods are showcased through edible gardens and rainwater catchment systems, emphasizing efficient water use and long-term ecological health.

As a permaculture demonstration site, the Tiny Diner offers workshops taught by community members and guest teachers. In collaboration with the Permaculture Research Institute Cold Climate, Master Water Stewards of the Freshwater Society, and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, they provide educational installations like an edible perennial garden and rainwater catchment techniques. The entire site is designed to be a low-impact, educational example of whole system design.