On the morning of February 19, 2026, the Food Building on 14th and Marshall in Northeast Minneapolis felt a little brighter than usual. While the neighborhood is no stranger to culinary excellence, it isn’t every day that the national spotlight of Good Morning America (GMA) shines directly onto a local storefront. For Chef Diane Moua and her team at Diane’s Place, it was a morning of celebration, reflection, and a historic recognition that resonated far beyond the walls of the Food Building.
The segment was part of GMA’s ambitious “50 States in 50 Weeks” series, an initiative designed to highlight the unique cultural and culinary fabrics that define American life. Representing Minnesota, the show chose to feature Diane’s Place—a restaurant that has quickly become a cornerstone of the Twin Cities food scene since its opening. The broadcast was made even more special by the presence of GMA co-anchor Rebecca Jarvis. A Minneapolis native herself, Jarvis returned to her hometown to showcase the woman who is redefining Hmong-American cuisine for a national audience.
A Culinary Love Letter to Heritage
Chef Diane Moua’s story is one of profound transition and deep-rooted tradition. Before opening Diane’s Place, Moua was already a household name in the Midwest culinary world. As the former executive pastry chef at the world-renowned Spoon and Stable and Bellecour, she earned multiple James Beard Award nominations for her intricate, French-inspired desserts. However, Diane’s Place represents a different kind of ambition: it is a “love letter” to her Hmong heritage and her parents, who immigrated to Minnesota and raised her on a farm in Hallock.
During the GMA segment, viewers across the country were treated to a visual feast of what makes the restaurant so unique. Moua demonstrated the delicate balance of her menu, which seamlessly blends high-end French pastry techniques with the bold, soulful flavors of Hmong home cooking. From her signature Hmong sausage and purple sticky rice to her world-class croissants and coconut-filled pastries, the food tells a story of the Hmong diaspora’s resilience and success in the American Midwest.
“This is the food I grew up eating, but through the lens of everything I’ve learned as a chef,” Moua shared during the broadcast. The segment highlighted how the Twin Cities is home to one of the largest Hmong populations in the world, making the national recognition of this cuisine a significant milestone for the entire community.
A Surprise Proclamation: February 19 is “Diane Moua Day”
Above: “Diane Moua Day” in the City of Minneapolis presentation.
The morning’s most emotional moment came toward the end of the live broadcast. As the cameras rolled and the breakfast crowd cheered, Minneapolis City Council Member Michael Rainville stepped forward to join Jarvis and Moua. Representing the city, Rainville presented Moua with an official proclamation signed by Mayor Jacob Frey.
The document officially declared February 19, 2026, as “Diane Moua Day” in the City of Minneapolis. The proclamation cited Moua’s “unwavering commitment to culinary excellence” and her role in “elevating Hmong culture and cuisine to the national stage.” It was a rare and prestigious honor, moving the chef to tears as she stood surrounded by her staff and neighbors.
Council Member Rainville noted the importance of Diane’s Place to the local economy and the identity of Northeast Minneapolis. By choosing to open her first solo venture in the historic Food Building, Moua has helped cement the neighborhood’s reputation as a destination for food lovers from across the region.
The “Best in the Midwest”
The GMA feature comes on the heels of several other major accolades for Moua. Recently, Food & Wine magazine and other national outlets have pointed to Diane’s Place as a primary reason why Minneapolis is currently being hailed as one of the best food cities in the country. The restaurant’s ability to offer a “refined yet accessible” experience—where one can grab a quick morning pastry or sit down for a traditional Hmong family-style lunch—has made it a critical and commercial darling.
For the residents of Northeast, the national attention feels well-deserved. Since the restaurant’s inception, it has functioned as more than just an eatery; it is a gathering space. The bright, airy dining room is frequently filled with a mix of local artists from the Northrup King Building, families from the neighborhood, and food tourists eager to try the dishes they’ve seen on Instagram and television.
Why It Matters
The significance of the GMA segment extends beyond just a single restaurant. It marks a moment where Hmong cuisine—a vital part of Minnesota’s identity for decades—is finally receiving the “mainstream” accolades it deserves. For years, Hmong food was often relegated to home kitchens or small stalls at the Hmong Village and Hmongtown marketplaces. By bringing these flavors into a high-profile, modern dining setting and garnering national media coverage, Moua is opening doors for a new generation of Hmong chefs.
As the GMA crew packed up their cameras and the live satellite truck departed from the Food Building parking lot, the work at Diane’s Place continued. There were still pastries to bake and tables to serve. But for the people of Minneapolis, February 19 will now always hold a special meaning. It is a day to celebrate a neighbor who stayed true to her roots while reaching the very top of her profession.
For those who haven’t yet made the trip to Diane’s Place, the GMA segment serves as a perfect invitation. Whether you come for the “Diane Moua Day” celebration or simply for a cup of coffee and a croissant, you are participating in a piece of Minneapolis history. Our neighborhood has many gems, but on this day, Diane Moua was the brightest one of all.
View the full segment from Good Morning America:
