Progress 2024

ALDI opens grocery store in Park Rapids

An ALDI grocery store opened the week of Dec. 4, 2023 at 1310 1st St. E. in Park Rapids. Abbreviated from Albrecht Diskont, the store is part of a German-owned discount supermarket chain.

Pine

Crest Apartments built for workforce housing

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BY ROBIN FISH Park Rapids Enterprise

A new memory care wing at Knute Nelson Crystal Brook Senior Living is rapidly taking shape.

The addition adds 20 new units, bringing the campus’ total to 38 memory care apartments.

“We’ve been having construction meetings all along,” said Ashley Ylitalo, executive director of Crystal Brook. “They’re saying it’s on track to potentially be open in May. We just walked through there. There’s some flooring going down, some paint in the apartments. There’s still plenty of work to do, but it’s coming along well.”

residents’ needs, intimate dining spaces and three meals a day designed to encourage healthy appetites.

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governmental agency in this community has experienced firsthand the impact the lack of affordable housing has on our ability to attract and retain workers. Creating affordable housing is a messy, complicated process. If the entire community didn’t work together to figure out a solution, we wouldn’t be standing here today.”

HLDC also owns 20 acres to the north of the Pine Crest development, where they are working to prepare a subdivision so private developers can build affordable, singlefamily homes and two- or three-unit townhomes.

“It’s exciting to know that we have the community’s support behind it,” said Samantha Beckman, Knute Nelson’s vice president of marketing and digital transformation.

“Our design is a little different,” said Ylitalo. “The common spaces are together – the dining and living areas are in close proximity.”

Thompson thanked Northwoods Bank for its financial package, with the participation of Citizens National Bank. She thanked the county, city and school for approving a tax abatement “that will allow the rents to be affordable to our workforce.” Thanks to a warmerthan-average winter, construction was nearing completion in Feb. 2024, and HLDC began accepting names for a waiting list. Thompson anticipates occupancy to start in July 2024.

In March 2024, HLDC secured a $3,111,000 federal appropriation to build a permanent road for the proposed housing subdivision off Finley Street.

A portion of profits from Pine Crest Apartments will go toward a Hubbard County Local Housing Trust Fund to support owner-occupied rehabilitation and other housing projects.

Thompson praised the county for establishing the fund, “which provides an ongoing resource for future housing projects.” Contact Thompson for more information at mthompson@heartlandlakesdc.org.

“It’s nice to have those community spaces, so that there’s an opportunity for residents and family members to be in an open community space,” said Beckman, “or to be in their rooms, independently, as an option as well.”

Otherwise, Ylitalo said, the new wing will feature “the same type of care, the same quality of care and programming that we currently offer.”

As a memory care facility, he said, it will have a higher level of supervision than the neighboring independent living senior apartments, with an RN case manager, activities, intentional programming to meet

“Our mission statement is to enrich the lives of everyone we serve,” said Ylitalo. “We really focus on personcentered care, meeting the individual’s daily needs.” Beckman said the particular value of the memory care apartments is ensuring the safety of the residents. Due to the risk of people with memory loss wandering, the unit will be locked for their safety. “Caregiver burnout is a real thing,” she acknowledged. “That can be challenging sometimes, when we experience these types of diagnoses in the home, and that risk factor if we’re not into those safety precautions.” Beckman added that social wellbeing is also extremely important. “We want to avoid any isolation,” she said. “That can become a concern with an aging adult or anyone who is vulnerable. So having a social environment, whether with staff or with other

residents, is really important to the quality of life overall.” Ylitalo said the number of additional employees staffing the new wing will change from Day 1 until the facility is fully occupied. At that point, he said, he would expect a couple dozen more staff on the roster – including care attendants,

Shannon Geisen/Enterprise

HLDC is constructing a 58-unit complex on a parcel it owns in Park Rapids, just east of Walmart.

BY LORIE SKARPNESS Park Rapids Enterprise

Two women bakers in Nevis, who make everything from scratch, decided to name their business, which opened in October 2023, Flour Chicks.

Sara Halik and her sister-in-law, Tina Smith, are both Nevis residents.

Both love to bake, and when the bakery on County 2 came up for sale, they bought it.

“We had been talking about having a bakery for several years, and when I found out the former Nevis bakery was for sale, I told Tina I was buying it with or without her, and she said she definitely wanted to be part of it,” Halik said. Smith moved to Nevis from Florida to join the business.

“We both are the main bakers,” Halik said. “We start work at 3 a.m. and bake everything fresh every day. We do everything by hand. The breads, the cakes, everything is from scratch. We cut the

doughnuts ourselves. We also do the book work.”

She said she and Tina work together very well. “She’s a great partner,” she said. Halik said the biggest surprise to her was how much work went into making everything from scratch.

“We are bringing in 50-pound bags of flour, sugar and salt,” she said. “It’s a lot of heavy lifting and really tough, physical labor. Carrying it, dumping it into the mixer bowl, kneading the dough. The first month we were pretty sore, but now we’re used to it.”

A decorator on staff specializes in cakes and cookies for parties and special occasions, and two other employees work at the bakery as well. Flour Chicks is open 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Doughnuts and English muffin bread are two of their most popular items. “I enjoy the cake and

cupcake side of it, and Tina focuses more on the cookies and pies,” Halik said. “We both do the doughnuts and breads. I do more of the specialty breads like cranberry wild rice and Italian bread.”

There is a small seating area in the bakery for those who want to enjoy their treats with a cup of coffee. They are planning to add gluten-friendly items and homemade dog treats to their menu in the future.

Halik said their biggest challenge is estimating how much to bake so they have what their customers want each day. “We bake fresh every day, so if there’s too much it’s a problem and if you run short it’s a problem,” she said. “You can’t just whip up doughnuts. It takes three hours. One day we were out of raised donuts by 9 a.m. If people call and order their donuts ahead of time that really helps, especially if they want a dozen or more.” Orders may be called in to the bakery at 218-652-6109. “I’m

Sara Halik, at left, and her sister-in-law, Tina Smith, are the owners of Flour Chicks Bakery

Find a tropical fish and more at Tilly’s Pet Supply

BY SHANNON GEISEN Park Rapids Enterprise

Lindsey and Justin Meier are not only Nevis High School sweethearts, but also pet lovers.

In May 2023, they opened Tilly’s Pet Supply in Park Rapids. “We’ve dreamt of doing this for a long time,” she said. The store is currently located at 203 2nd St. W., but will soon move to its new location. In May 2024, it will be situated next to Ecowater Systems on the third block of Main Ave. They plan to expand their inventory when they move into the bigger space. It will be more than twice the store’s current size.

They will also be adding a dog wash station. “Right now, we have freshwater tropical fish,” she said. “That’s been the biggest part of our business. We sell a lot of the livebearers.”

Lindsey isn’t a fan of guppies – “because they’ve inbred them now to get pretty colors, and they’re very finicky” –but they do sell mollies

and the swordtails. “Just the ones that kids love.” She adds, “The plants are a big deal because we’ve got the live, aquatic plants.”

Tilly’s Pet Supply not only sells fish and fish supplies, but also caters to reptile, canine, feline and other small animal owners. Lindsey has dedicated her career to pets. She’s particularly fond of the English springer spaniels that she breeds, including the one that bears the store’s name. She previously worked at the Headwaters Animal Shelter and owned Dog Gone Organic Grooming. “All of our foods and stuff, I’m really particular about what we carry. I do research before we get stuff in. I won’t carry just anything,” she said. “We have things that people have heard of before, but there’s a lot of things that people haven’t heard of, and I think they’re the best thing on the market.”

The Meiers have been married for 19 years, and they have a son. Justin graduated from Nevis in 2005, while Lindsey graduated in 2007.

Flora & Floret thrives on gift items and flower arrangements

BY ROBIN FISH Park Rapids Enterprise

Tessa Kumpula has busy mornings in her shop, Flora & Floret, at 115 3rd St. W. in Park Rapids.

Already in February, she had a list of orders to fill, a shipment of fresh flowers and greens to organize and a stream of customers walking in to buy gifts and flower arrangements.

The decorative gift and flower ship opened Mother’s Day weekend of 2023. According to Kumpula, it has gotten busier with every holiday since then, and she expects to see a lot of business this summer.

“My biggest thing is the flowers,” she said. “I do lots of weddings, events, that sort of thing. In the shop, I have vendors who sell their stuff. So, I have handmade baby clothes, locally made soaps and soap dishes and some jewelry. My goal is eventually to either source all my gift items from either small businesses around the U.S. or find people to do it locally.”

BY SHANNON GEISEN Park Rapids Enterprise

Greet & Gather – a card, gift and home decor shop – opened in downtown Park Rapids in October 2023.

It’s a family affair, involving Ann and Anthony Schiller and their three children.

“‘Greet’ is the greeting cards and ‘gather’ is how we display places you’d have in your home,” explained Ann. She’s owned the Little Dorset Shop since 2017.

“I make all the cards. I’m known for that,” said Ann, who has an art education degree with an emphasis in graphic design. “Once I have it drawn out, I can put it on cards, stickers, decks of cards, a lot of prints.”

Stickers, blankets and T-shirts also bear her signature art.

“I also have a wholesale

Kumpula

Orders for one day included a birthday arrangement, a funeral arrangement and some baby arrangements.

“My favorite thing,” she said, “I love doing weddings. I’m aiming toward getting more weddings this year. I did 14 last year. My goal is to do more than that.” Kumpula orders fresh flowers every week, choosing a color scheme for that week’s “designer’s choice” arrangements. “People love that because it’s unique,” she

division, so I sell these cards all around the U.S.,” she said.

Her custom designs and gifts are featured at the Little Dorset Shop, but it’s only open seasonally.

“I’ve always wanted to be downtown, so this building opened up,” she said of the new, second location at 209 Main Ave.

Ann creates some of the artwork at Greet & Gather, displayed alongside cozy scenes with carefully curated home products.

“Everything in here is for sale – the lighting, the furniture,” she said, pointing to a beautifully decorated dining room table as an example. It’s arranged with napkins, plates, bouquets and more. “Our goal here was to have it displayed as you would have it in your home.”

Using his carpentry skills from flipping

said. She also keeps certain flowers in stock to make items shown on her website (floraandfloret.com) for people to order. “It might be the exact flower,” she said, “but I can create something similar.”

During the winter, her flowers come from wholesalers in the Twin Cities; during the summer, she gets a lot of them from local growers. “I love to get the flowers locally, but obviously, with

Minnesota’s winters, we can’t do that all winter.”

Kumpula doesn’t have any employees yet, calling on friends and family members when she needs extra help.

At holidays, she sometimes offers a local gift box featuring vendor items, such as a soap and holder, locally sourced maple syrup, a handmade dishcloth and baked goods made by her sisterin-law, whose Nordic Nook Bakery faces the world through Facebook and Instagram.

Asked about her favorite flowers to work with, Kumpula mentioned ranunculus, which can look like roses, and button mums, which look like daisies. Wax flowers are a customer favorite that she always keeps around because it’s easy to use and goes with any season. She also likes salal greens in the spring, because they’re an easy filler with a nice color.

“I’ve felt a lot of support from the community,” she said. “I don’t think I could have done it in a different place. Small town – everybody wants to see you thrive.”

houses back in

Shannon Geisen / Enterprise Justin and Lindsey Meier opened Tilly’s Pet Supply in downtown Park Rapids. They pose with J’adore, one of their English springer spaniels.

Robin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise

ties wrapping paper and tissue paper around a custom bouquet that customer Katy Grisamore was buying for her daughter, Laura. The arrangement features wax flowers, solidago, salal and button mums.

BIZ BRIEFS

Enjoy opens store in Walker

Steph Carlson, owner of the Enjoy candy store in downtown Park Rapids, added a second location in Walker, beginning on Mother’s Day 2023. It’s located at 200 5th St. N. Silver Star Saloon opens

Donna Larson of Waubun purchased Bogey’s Sports Bar & Grill, renaming it the Silver Star Saloon & Eatery. The Park Rapids restaurant reopened after remodeling in summer 2023. In addition to a full bar, Larson said, “We have a fresh salad bar and serve broasted chicken. Our burgers are fresh ground beef patties cookies on the broiler. We also have a large outside dining area.” Larson has lived in the area for 29 years. She has kids and grandkids nearby.

BY SHANNON GEISEN Park Rapids Enterprise

Spirit Lake beachgoers will have a sweet treat to enjoy this summer.

Kyle Davis purchased Spirit Lake Resort & Hotel in May 2023 from Jeremiah Erickson, and he’s converting the lakeside portion into an ice cream shop. The Scoopology Ice Cream Lab neighbors the city beach. Davis tentatively plans to open in May, dishing up shakes, malts, hardserve ice cream and wall to wall candy. “We’re going to have a lot of outdoor seating, right on the beach,” Davis said. The property has roughly 150 feet of shoreline.

“It’s such a gem,” he said of the beachfront. A 2002 Wadena High School graduate, Davis

goods, and real fruit for our smoothies are used.”

Patrons may enjoy the historic ambience and high, tin ceilings inside or choose the drivethrough window. Knutson said they will soon offer online ordering.

took over his father’s business, Davis Appraisal Inc. of Wadena, in January 2024. He also owns apartments in Wadena and enjoys flipping houses. He earned a business administration degree in 2006 from Moorhead State University.

While searching for a real estate investment, Davis posted his request on Facebook. Erickson’s partner, Breanna, replied, “Do you buy motels?”

“I was like, never have, but I’ll always look,” Davis said. “And then here we are. That’s literally how it happened.” Davis also bought the Rustic Inn in Park Rapids from Erickson. “We are in process of rebranding that,” he said. “We’ll be calling that the Nordic Lodge. Right now, we’re taking

Shannon Geisen / Enterprise

Nordic Coffee House retains historic charm. It’s located along U.S. Hwy. 71 in Menahga at 213 Aspen Ave. NW.

At 218 Venture, PRAHS grads bolster welcoming atmosphere

BY SHANNON GEISEN Park Rapids Enterprise

Best friends since fifth grade, Kim May and Tina Ackerman fulfilled a lifelong dream when they opened 218 Venture Bar & Eatery.

The Park Rapids hometown gals remodeled the former Dorset Chick’n Coop and launched in July 2023.

The year-round restaurant offers American cuisine, along with Minnesota favorites. “We’re working on revamping the menu because we’ve learned a lot, so we’ll have a new menu before summer,” May said of their new summer and winter food selections.

They recently converted a portion of the dining space into a familyfriendly game room, complete with “the world’s largest” Pacman game, a hunting arcade game, pool table and dart boards.

Ackerman said, “Parents have really liked it because it’s something for kids to do in here.”

May describes their steady family clientele as “a blessing.”

“We’ve found our little niche,” agrees Ackerman. 218 Venture Bar & Eatery entertains with six

pull tabs and electronic pull tabs, along with horse races and meat raffles. Plus, there’s live music with Don Holmen on Thursdays.

Low seating was added to the bar and booths, so it’s more handicap accessible and comfortable for those who dislike hightop tables. “Our plan for the patio is to have an outdoor bar and service this summer. We’re building a permanent pergola structure over the pontoon,” May said. They hope to add out-

door music as well.

May said, “We learned the other thing that works very well for us, and we enjoy, is our events,” such as Oktoberfest, Halloween, Ladies Night and an upcoming Kentucky Derby Day.

The duo said their idea is simple: Great food, excellent customer service and tie it all back into inspiring adventures.

Both said they are grateful to the regular, weekly customers who have supported 218 Venture.

Jeweler moves to downtown Park Rapids

BY SHANNON GEISEN Park Rapids Enterprise

BY

In August 2023, the 50-year-old wife and mother of six bought Lyle’s Shoes in downtown Wadena and Park Rapids from Lisa Baymler and Brian Koons. But Keezer is just starting to find her footing as a new business owner. “I started working in shoes at Fresh Catch in Park Rapids, like, 18

“We feel humbled, grateful and blessed to have this community stand behind us like they have. It has brought us to tears so many times. They are rooting for us,” May said. “This community has been our saving grace.”

Connections are so important, Ackerman added, and friendships have begun at their restaurant.

“People say they feel at home when they come in. They feel welcomed.”

“It’s a modern-day ‘Cheers,’” May concluded.

years ago,” Keezer said. “I was the manager and then it went out of business, unfortunately.” Keezer eventually found her way back to selling footwear as an employee of Lyle’s Shoes. “I love shoes,” Keezer said. “But it’s not just the shoes. My passion is actually helping people find the right shoe for them. It just makes me happy to see people happy with their footwear. “Because everybody is aware of Lyle’s Shoes, I wanted to keep the name and just offer the same, you know, ‘small-town service, big-name brands,’ at decent prices,” Keezer said of the business and its slogan. Baymler and Koons of Park Rapids purchased Amish Oak and Americana Furnishings last year, according to Keezer, but found themselves spread too thin and decided to get out of the footwear business. The Park Rapids woman decided to take the plunge and switch from being an employee of Lyle’s Shoes to the business’ owner.Lyle’s Shoes also sells clothing, jackets, hats and wool socks in addition to seasonal footwear such as wrestling shoes or cleats.

Jeweler of the North relocated from the “little city” of Lutsen, Minn. to the “big city” of Park Rapids. It’s “where the stars align,” say owners Steve and Cathy Hahn. “We closed on our house. We moved everything,” Cathy explained, then turned their attention to remodeling their new shop. They opened at 316 Main Ave. S. in May 2023.

The couple is originally from the Fargo-Moorhead area. Steve began working for Royal Jewelers in 1980, as a college student. Steve took on both goldsmithing and janitorial work.

“My brother had been a jeweler there since 1970,” Steve said. “He got me into buying watches. I had more Rolex watches and diamond jewelry when I was in high school. It was just kind of fun because he got me involved in it.”

A man of many interests, after college Steve ran a health club in Fargo, served as strength coach at Minnesota State, worked as cardiac physiology at Dakota Hospital

and became a deputy sheriff in North Dakota’s Cass County.

When a jeweler quit at Royal Jewelers, Steve returned to that pursuit in 1993.

Passionate about snow sports, especially downhill skiing and snowmobiling, the Hahns moved to Lutsen in winter 2015.

Steve continued to work in Fargo, commuting across the state. Cathy pursued her realty career.

“Finally, I told him, ‘Why are you reinventing the wheel?’ There wasn’t a goldsmith between Duluth and Thunder Bay,” she recalled.

They opened Jeweler of the North Shore in April 2018, and within six months, it was a full-time operation.

The transition to Park Rapids puts the Hahns closer to their children and grandchildren, who live in Fargo.

“That was really the catalyst,” Steve said.

While there are jewelry collections and unique clothing at the store, he said 90% of his job is custom work. He designs, redesigns, repairs or custom-creates pieces of jewelry “that people cherish for years to come.”

Shannon Geisen / Enterprise Tina Ackerman and Kim May, both born and raised in Park Rapids, co-own 218 Venture Bar & Eatery in Dorset.

Shannon Geisen / Enterprise Steve and Cathy Hahn moved Jeweler of the North to downtown Park Rapids in May 2023.

FRANK LEE Wadena Pioneer Journal

Cathy Keezer loves shoes so much that she bought not just one shoe store but two.

Frank Lee / Wadena Pioneer Journal

Cathy Keezer of Park Rapids bought Lyle’s Shoes from Lisa Baymler and Brian

Dine on fresh pizzas, burgers at Two Inlets Country Store

BY SHANNON GEISEN Park Rapids Enterprise

Robb and Claudia Peterson exchanged life in Chattanooga, Tennessee for Two Inlets, Minn.

They’re the new owners of Two Inlets Country Store. “I’ve been coming up here since I was a child – since the ‘60s,” Robb said. His parents visited the area, starting in the 1940s, and his grandparents before that.

Black-and-white family photos adorn an entire wall of the remodeled store.

“They’re all old, old, old photos of Two Inlets and all the families,” he said.

Some are of the Petersons, but some are unidentified. (Claudia would like to resolve that, with help from the public.)

“I saw the store for sale. Thought I’d go fix

it,” Robb said. “I think it’s just needed. It’s a food dessert out here, so there’s no place to eat.” He owns two businesses in Tennessee: a pizza joint and a burger place. “And that’s what we’re

doing here,” he said. “We make fresh pizzas and smashburgers. We fixed the kitchen in the back, so there’s a full kitchen now and a full bar and off sale.” Their Detroit-style

pizza has a special pan, Robb explained. “It’s not deep dish. It’s almost focaccia-like. It’s really airy dough.” The couple married in October 2023 in Two Inlets.

Chattanooga has a population of roughly 1 million. Two Inlets: 189.

“It has been an adjustment. I mean, for both of us. Neither of us have lived this rurally,” Claudia said.

But living remotely and in a quieter, small town has been “really refreshing.” She said, “It’s just a different pace of life. It’s so quiet, you look at the trees. You actually hear the birds. . .When we close up and walk up the hill, Robb and I, you see the stars. I’ve seen stars that clear only once in my life. Now that’s our backyard.”

The Petersons are also in the process of remodeling a neighboring garage and dubbing it “The Icehouse.” The cozy, bar-like setting will be perfect for snowmobilers taking a break from the trail or even for summer birthday bashes.

Exhale Massage helps clients breathe out unhealthy emotions

BY ROBIN FISH Park Rapids Enterprise

Candace Henry says she finds healing for herself while helping bring her clients’ bodies into balance. “I genuinely enjoy what it is that I do,” she says.

Henry is the owner of Exhale Massage and Wellness, which opened at 207 2nd St. W. in downtown Park Rapids late Marchearly April 2023.

“I got my key on Valentine’s Day last year,” she says, adding that she had to put a lot of work in before it was ready to open. Currently open Sunday through Friday, Henry provides massage therapy by appointment and as well as private yoga sessions. During the winter, she also leads Tuesday morning restorative yoga and Thursday morning gentle Vinyasa yoga classes at Bretz Taekwondo & Fitness, filling in for snowbird instructor

Karen Spillman-Herborn.

During the summer, Henry provides day retreats and yoga classes in the park, mainly catering to retired people –“older bodies that are

trying to continue with their range of motion and balance.”

Henry’s schedule varies seasonally, as well as around her calling as a single mom with three daughters aged 8, 10 and 13. “My practice was in Detroit Lakes for a long period of time,” she says. “When I got the opportunity for this building, I moved my practice from DL.” Henry grew up in Akeley and went to school in Nevis, but moved to Kansas City, Mo. before graduating high school.

Henry recognizes that most people don’t have the economic privilege to invest $100 a month in a yoga session, let alone at 9:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, when most people are working. “And so, I also do yoga with community ed,” she says, “because I feel like, if I can make the opportunity available to at least help people regulate their nervous system and find their breath, I think from there a shift will happen. If we can just catch our breath, everything else domino-effects off there.”

Henry studied massage therapy at the WellSpring

School of Allied Health in Kansas City. “Missouri has some of the highest standards for massage therapy,” she says.

Later, after starting her family and moving back to Minnesota, her personal struggles led her to seek out “yoga for PTSD” on YouTube. “It became a lifeline for my own healing,” she says.

She took yoga teacher training in 2020 with Boreal Bliss.

In her massage studio, Henry applies relaxation, Swedish, deep-tissue, trigger-point, myofascial, lymphatic drainage and hot stone techniques. She says her signature method is holistic healing – a “somatic journey, where it is still massage, but I’m able to work also on an energetic level. … I’m giving you feedback of what’s being held, or what I sense throughout the body, and I’m journeying with you, partnering with the breath.”

Trauma is stored in our bodies, says Henry. “We have a lot of unprocessed emotions that get trapped in our bodies. I use my body-work technique to help people express that, so that it’s not in their bodies anymore.”

BY LORIE SKARPNESS Park Rapids Enterprise

Bullwinkles on 34 in Nevis is owned by a local couple who have created a menu of homemade recipes and an “up north” feel at their restaurant, which opened in July 2023.

The Ridlons said the restaurant’s name may have originated with the cartoon about a moose named Bullwinkle and a squirrel named Rocky. A big moose

Shannon Geisen/Enterprise Claudia and Robb Peterson chat with customers at Two Inlets Country Store.

Robin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise

After operating for several years in Detroit Lakes, Candace Henry opened Exhale Massage and Wellness in spring 2023 to 207 2nd St. W. in Park Rapids.

food and a wide range of coffee flavors and alternatives.

Espresso 34 reappears after a year-long hiatus

BY ROBIN FISH Park Rapids Enterprise

Espresso 34 has moved.

Formerly located at 1310 1st St. E. – now home to ALDI – the drive-through coffee stand reopened March 4 at 1507 1st St. E., across State Hwy. 34 and a bit farther east.

Owners Shawn and Carmen Gray talked about the journey of their business.

“We started there in June 2011,” Shawn said of the old location, which closed in February 2023. “We had been talking to ALDI for a number of years, and then their timeline moved up faster than we had originally planned. So, we had just a handful of weeks to shut the building down and move it somewhere.

“We had looked at three or four different locations in town. We ended up working with the Hubbard County DAC. They were great to work with. We ended up buying an acre of land from them and subdividing it. It took a little while.”

In addition to moving their building, they also added a delivery ramp to the basement, which saves having to climb up and down through a trapdoor.

“We wanted to keep what people liked about Espresso 34,” said Shawn, mentioning, for example, that they source their beans from Dillanos Coffee Roasters of Seattle. “We’ve used them for the beginning. They’ve won tons of awards, and they source from all over the world.”

Meantime, they’ve

upgraded their equipment and redesigned the traffic flow around their building, with a driveway that splits to provide access to pick-up windows on both sides of the building. “Before, you would have to come to the window to order,” said Shawn, “but by sometime this spring, you’ll be able to go up to a menu board and talk into a pedestal, place an order so we can get started, and we can work on being faster for people.” According to manager Brighton Robbins, they plan to have 7 to 10 employees, mostly parttime, including about three returning baristas from the old location. Shawn recalled how he and Carmen started the business with his parents, Brian and Kathy Gray, building it on land that used to be the Paradise Motel. With the move, Shawn said, he and Carmen bought out Brian and Kathy’s share of the business, with the older couple staying on as advisors only. The family also owned Foxy’s Bar and Grill for six years, selling it in 2022.

BY ROBIN FISH Park Rapids Enterprise

Landquist Rustic Wood Furnishings is now Riedel Rustic & Log Furniture.

Ethan and Devyn Riedel

bought the store at 1220 1st St. E. in late February 2023, when Devyn’s dad Doug Johnson, a longtime Landquist employee, let them know that former owner Mike Landquist was looking to sell.

“I’ve always loved art, and I’ve always wanted to do something with it,” she said. “So, when the opportunity to buy this place, Ethan and I put everything we had into acquiring it. Even back when I was 14 years old, I remember telling my dad and uncle, ‘It’s my dream job to be a chainsaw carver.’ They both did it, and they taught me a lot.”

Ethan always enjoyed taking cabinetry classes in high school. “My old career, I was on the road all the time,” he said. “I wanted something where I could be home every night. This popped up, and we decided to make the

leap and go for it.”

Johnson and Devyn do chainsaw carving, Ethan explained, while he does log work and two other employees – Cindy Larson and Steve Berthiaume – do finishing, painting and framing in the shop behind the store.

When she’s not carving logs, Devyn said, she makes odds and ends, such as shelves, cutting boards and signs for customers’ cabins.

Ethan said the area’s cabin community provides a comfortable niche for

their business.

Wood is sourced from sawmills around the area, including ones in Menahga and Dorset. “It’s all local pine, local hardwood,” said Ethan, pointing out furniture items in the showroom that feature mostly pine, but also red oak and black ash. “It’s all custom,” he said. “People come with measurements that fit their house, and we build it to suit. We try to keep enough stuff in the showroom to give people an idea of what we do.”

“We tell people to bring in their Pinterest ideas, and we’ll do our best to replicate it,” said Devyn. “That’s been a ton of fun.”

On the other hand, when people order a log bed and ask him what it’ll look like, Ethan tells them, “I don’t know. It depends on what the logs tell me to do.”

Devyn said they’re a good fit with customers looking for the perfect piece of furniture, but unable to find the right shape or size. “We can come in and make it specifically how they want,” she said. “A lot of times, we end up doing some odd projects, but people are happy to get them.” Furnishings in their

Orton’s Gas Station freshly remodeled

Robin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise Espresso 34 reopened in March after moving from its former location, currently home to ALDI, to 1507 1st St. E. in Park Rapids. The updated coffee shop offers streamlined drive-through options, breakfast

Tavern 203 in Nevis adding outdoor bar and patio for summer

BY LORIE SKARPNESS

restaurant. “My personal experience in the industry is expansive,” she said. “I have been working in restaurants since I was 14. After high school and through college, it was 50-plus hours a week in restaurants for more than 10 years. I have seen it all and done it all – from dishwashing to cooking and catering. My main expertise is serving, bartending and management. I truly do love the industry, and it’s been amazing to step into ownership. I have certainly learned a lot since opening. The Nevis community is amazing. I love being able to meet new people, build new relationships and provide lasting positive experiences as a host in my own space.” Their variety of homemade pizzas are popular with customers, she said. “We make and roll the dough and hand cut fresh vegetables.”

Other unique menu items include the gourmet tavern burger, a hot honey fried chicken sandwich and a balsamic and parmesan cheese appetizer

with brussel sprouts. “Chef Derrick Fox is my executive chef,” she said. “His professional culinary training and experience at Wonewok 3M has really impacted the quality of food we are able to put out. The feedback from our clientele has been overwhelmingly positive and I’m really proud and grateful for the team I have.”

Tavern 203 includes a full bar featuring craft specialty cocktails. All Minnesota sports games are played with surround sound, and there is a dart board.

Tavern 203 has around 20 employees, with most working part time. Plans for the future include catering more large events and gatherings.

“We are adding an outdoor patio and bar on the north side of the restaurant for summer, so that is exciting,” she said. “We want to continue to keep the consistency we have built and elevate our food and service more and more as we all continue to learn and grow.”

Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight on the weekend. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until noon.

BY SHANNON GEISEN Park Rapids Enterprise

Louis Shively and Lisa Peterka co-own Tools & More of Park Rapids. It’s situated in the former S&L Outlet Store. They took over in August 2023. It’s one of the few local sources for Skid Steer attachments, according to Peterka, along with welding steel, trailer parts and live-edge boards. Tools, of course, and mattresses are their biggest sellers, she added. The focus is on quality and cordless, Peterka emphasized, such as the Milwaukee brand. “It’s the John Deere and Cadil-

lac of tools.” Sets or individual mattresses are sold off the floor or from what’s in stock. “They’re affordable, quality, conventional mattresses,” Peterka said. “It’s a great option for a quality, budget mattress, the same day.” Peterka said other furniture and tool stores in the area are cooperative. “There’s no such thing as competition in a small town. Every business helps the other.” A great selection of inventory in Park Rapids keeps customers “from blowing past your town,” she said. “We need each other.” Shively originally started Tools & More in Verndale, Lake Park and elsewhere. “Louie has been doing this for years. He’s started probably 40 different stores throughout, three of which remain,” she said. He currently owns LS Distributing Company, headquartered in Verndale. Through that business, Shively had known Steve and Lucy Criswell for years “and supplied them much of his tool inventory,” Peterka explained. When the Criswells wished to retire, Shively made an offer they couldn’t refuse.

DAC programs are changing and growing

BY LORIE SKARPNESS Park Rapids Enterprise

Three programs on the Hubbard County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) in Park Rapids have expanded their focus in the past year.

The Depot

The Depot, formerly known as The Salvage Depot, is located at 320 Career Path in Park Rapids.

A forest and park are in the process of becoming the newest addition to the property.

Laura Johnson is DAC’s executive director.

“The DAC is working with the Hubbard County Soil and Water District (SWDC) to create a forest on that site,” she said. “We started last fall by getting rid of some weeds and planting 50 trees. We also planted rye to help enrich the soil. This spring we will be

working with the SWCD to start planting to build that seven-layer forest. It will be part of a park behind the Depot that members of the community can come and enjoy. We have a nice piece of land, and this project will give people at the nearby apartments a nice place to hang out. It also provides that learning experience for people who are part of our program. They will learn how to care for a variety of plants.”

Emily Mathisrud is manager of The Depot. She said their programs have grown as a result of staff members sharing their interests, which include raising chickens, gardening, welding, metalworking, woodworking and car maintenance and repairs.

Mathisrud’s husband, Ryan, will be teaching beekeeping later this spring, with the goal of producing honey and

Big Timbers is Sauers’ joint venture

BY ROBIN FISH

supplies wood carvings sold in the store, along with art by his wife, Carol – Marvin and Jake

other items to sell in the store, along with eggs and garden produce.

The Depot also sells items in good condition that are donated by people in the community, including a limited amount of furniture.

“Donations are very important because the store sales help pay for the programming,” Johnson said.

Northern Hearts Studio

The Northern Hearts Studio is located at 1008 Park Avenue, next to A&W, on U.S. Hwy. 71 South.

“In that building, we have our employment program called “Create,” where we work with high school students and adults from the community, referred by DEED (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development), who need help finding jobs,” Johnson said. The art studio is located in the back of the building. “In our studio, we have several different types of screen printing and have staff artists who teach that,” she said. “We also have an open art studio time, where people can come in and work on their own projects.”

Tin Ceiling Gallery The Tin Ceiling on Main Avenue used to

Big Timbers

construction business and Jake working as a carpenter at the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station, that mainly leaves Christine – also an eighth-grade world geogra-

weekends in September, maybe October. We’ll see. The motel is open year-round.” With a lot of help from Merl Euerle – who also

said she’s grateful, not just for all the tourists passing by the park, but also the local support from Park Rapids, Bagley and the tight-knit Lake Itasca community.

Jessa

Lorie Skarpness/ Enterprise

Tavern 203 offers a variety of unique menu items in a sports bar atmosphere.

Robin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise Big Timbers, directly opposite to Itasca State Park’s north entrance, includes an ice cream and gift shop (at left), a restored, century-old cabin and a four-unit motel.

Shannon Geisen / Enterprise

Co-owner Louis Shively shelves Milwaukee, a popular brand of quality tools, at Tools & More of Park Rapids.