09/09/2010 - Dakota County Tribune Business Weekly

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JESSICA HARPER JOHN GESSNER JESSICA HARPER

Eagan group aims to help job seekers transition into new careers 2A Ye Old Mill has been family-owned for 97 years 6A New ‘haven’ for Halloween enthusiasts opens in Burnsville 44A

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DATE ##, 2009 SEPTEMBER 9, 2010

VOLUME 30, NUMBER # VOLUME 31, NUMBER 28

Dakota County Tribune Since 1884

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Barbecue offers unlikely path to redemption Pulled pork has given Brian Wheeler a chance to redeem his past, as well as his present by Derrick Williams DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE

Brian Wheeler’s past and present met at an unlikely crossroads in his life: a pulled pork sandwich. It’s an interesting story, too. Teenager with a criminal history meets church and family man looking to launch a new business. The meeting took place in the Lakeville City Council chamber in the fall of last year. Wheeler was seeking a liquor license for his new restaurant, Baldy’s BBQ. His pulled pork sandwich is killer, he said. But Wheeler of the present never figured his past self would be such a hindrance. “The things I did – they weren’t good, but I was a kid,� Wheeler said. “Now, I’m a husband, a dad, a football coach.� The license was denied in part because of his criminal history and, at the time, Wheeler, now 31, thought it was a death sentence for a business barely off the ground. “I knew it was going to be a big challenge – a barbecue joint without beer,� he said. “I wasn’t sure what the future would hold.� Wheeler has never been afraid to tell people about his former life. In fact, he tries to use it as a way of steering kids away from the mistakes he made as a teenager. “I don’t know if those drugs I dealt killed people, ruined lives,� he said. “I have to live with that. That’s my guilt.� But Wheeler’s trying to make things right. In his own mind, at least. Last year Wheeler coached football at Lakeville South High School. He also coached his 8-year-old daughter’s soccer team, and he said he’s involved in his church with his wife. His personal life is good, Wheeler said. So is business.

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Brian Wheeler, 31, owner of Baldy’s BBQ, has been so successful with his year-old Lakeville location he’s expanded to Minneapolis, opening on the University of Minnesota’s West Bank. “Maybe it’s some good karma. Who knows,� he said. Against a lot of odds, Baldy’s BBQ has persevered. The restaurant, located at 11276 210th St. W. near the County Road 70 and Interstate 35 interchange in Lakeville, has made good money. “We’re debt-free in Lakeville other than our build-out loan,� Wheeler said. “We’re profitable.� And expanding. “We’re beating the odds, I’d say that,� Wheeler said. Despite studies saying 60 to 80 percent of new restaurants fail in the first year, Baldy’s turned a large enough profit for

Wheeler to lease a stand-alone building in Minneapolis along the University of Minnesota’s West Bank. Baldy’s BBQ restaurant No. 2 opened on Sept. 3. David Siegel, executive vice president of the Minnesota Restaurant Association, said Wheeler’s success is an impressive feat. “Any restaurant surviving and expanding in this economy is doing a great job,â€? Siegel said. For the first year in 10 years, more restaurants closed than opened, Siegel said. “There is no room for mistakes right now,â€? he said. “Restaurants, especially new ones, require good management to be successful – keeping costs down with suppliers, and labor, and right now, it’s hard to do everything right.â€? The new restaurant is located at 1813 Riverside Ave., near the corner of Cedar and Riverside avenues, and features dine-in, take-out and delivery. The menu includes appetizers, kids items, entrees with traditional barbecue fare, and even catering – just like Lakeville. “It’s a great location,â€? Wheeler said, pointing to the university’s Carlson School of Management standing less than two blocks away. “We’ll be open later, we’ll offer delivery to all the students who want barbecue instead of pizza. ‌ This loSee Baldy’s, Page 43A

We need to hear from Minnesota’s legislative candidates, not just those running for the Governor ‘s Off ice. PHIL KRINKIE 4A FORUM

Despite a poll revealing positive attitudes toward education in Minnesota, the state lost out on new federal funding. JOE NATHAN 4A BEST PRACTICES

KEVIN STIRTZ

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to start making improvements in your customer service. 5A

BUSINESS 101

LISA BAH

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Despite the added costs, marrying corporate social responsibility and green practices can sharpen your competitive edge. 5A

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