Business

Duluth Running Co.’s Tent Sale Returns For Fitger’s 5K Race

The Tent Sale will continue Sunday starting at 10 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn.– As the Fitger’s 5K got back on course, so did Duluth Running Company’s chance to showcase some discounted running and walking shoes, apparel, and other running accessories outside for runners and spectators. They brought the Tent Sale on East Superior Street back after not taking place last year due to the pandemic. The store’s owner says it’s great…

Demolition Continues At Future Site Of ‘Lincoln Park Flats’

DULUTH, Minn. – A block of West Superior Street is missing a longtime building in the Lincoln Park neighborhood as demolition continues for a new housing development there. Excavators continued to clear away what’s left of the former Robert’s Home Furnishings building Tuesday. The now wide open space will be replaced with a new four-story apartment building called the Lincoln…

Duluth’s Sustainability Officer Ready To Tackle City Council’s ‘Climate Emergency’ Declaration

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s sustainability officer, Mindy Granley, is applauding the city council’s declaration of a “climate emergency” and says she’s ready to take Duluth to the next level to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the city. Granley says the city will be creating an initial five-year “climate action plan,” which will be presented to the council by the…

Spring Cleaning Made Easy at New Tommy’s Express Car Wash

Tommy's Express Car Wash Opened a Duluth Location in Late March

DULUTH, Minn. – When spring weather arrives, you’re guaranteed two things in the Northland — construction season and long lines at the car wash. Now one new business in Duluth is putting forth a dedicated team of deep cleaners who have a passion for saving you time and making your vehicle shine. “The flight deck is what we call it,”…

Festival by the Lake Event Seeking Vendors

Organizers say, they will be adjusting to the governors new regulations.

DULUTH, Minn. – One upcoming event in Duluth during the heart of summer is currently looking for vendors. Festival by the Lake – previously called the Taste of Duluth – is currently looking for vendors for their 5th annual event in late July at Bayfront Festival Park. With this new event name, more than just food vendors will be there…

New Local Business Takes Over Flagship Pop-up Shop

The pop-up leases the space to smaller businesses in the area from two to four months.

DULUTH, Min.-A new pop-up shop has opened in the Flagship Apparel store in Canal Park. The new ship known as ‘The Hull’ is a branch off from the surf and coffee shop the ‘Back Alley’ in Lincoln Park. The pop-up leases the space to smaller businesses in the area from two to four months. “We were looking to open that…

Eat Downtown Week Returns Highlighting 19 Duluth Restaurants

From April 19th to the 30th, 19 participating restaurants will be featuring more flexible menus to include takeout specials along with dine-in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Going into the summer months, eat downtown week is returning to highlight local Duluth establishments. From April 19th to the 30th, 19 participating restaurants will be featuring more flexible menus to include takeout specials along with dine-in. Greater Downtown Council officials say it’s more important than ever to show these businesses the community cares. “It’s just so important…

North Shore Businesses Optimistic for Strong Summer Tourism Season

From New Recreations Offerings, to Great Burgers and Brews, Two North Shore Businesses Optimistic Ahead of the Summer Season

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors venture up Minnesota’s North Shore, stopping along the way to help stimulate the various local economies in smaller communities. Two area businesses are optimistic for a better year ahead, as the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully reaches a more controllable level. “It’s probably one of the most beautiful places. You can…

Two Harbors to Welcome New Business This Summer

Burlington Station & Callie's Sweets Plan to Open by Memorial Day Weekend

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A new place to purchase sweet treats and check out model trains is coming to the City of Two Harbors. Burlington Station is located along 7th Avenue, right before you leave the city to head up the North Shore. Inside the station, Callie’s Sweets will be offering handmade caramel, fudge, gourmet popcorn, and candy apples. The…

Levi LaVallee Releases Duluth Snowmobile Stunt Video

DULUTH, Minn. — After months of preparation and a week of filming, pro snowmobiler Levi LaVallee released his Red Bull video of stunts in Duluth Wednesday. LaVallee performed all over Duluth — from jumps at Spirit Mountain to flips over North Shore Scenic Railroad cars before landing in the Fitger’s parking lot. LaVallee is a native of Longville, Minnesota. His professional…

UMD Startup Cup Being Held Tonight

DULUTH, Minn.-Tonight some UMD students will be pitching their business ideas to a panel of professionals with the chance to win scholarship money. This year’s UMD Startup Cup will be held virtually and feature five different students groups who have business ideas related to everything from the travel industry to comics or even helping people with special needs. The hope…

KYN: Skin Deep Tattoo and Piercing

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Artist Jason Routley has been providing tattoos to people in the Twin Ports area since 2018. “I love being an artist. It’s like all my dreams from my childhood are coming true. Just doing what I love to do,” Skin Deep Tattoo and Peircing Co-Owner, Jason Routley says. And now, they have moved to a new location…

‘Northern Lights Express’ Supporters Hopeful For Federal Funding

DULUTH, Minn. — Backers of high-speed rail service from Duluth to Minneapolis are hopeful President Joe Biden’s new infrastructure proposal could make the rail project finally happen. The Northern Lights Express project has stalled for years because of a lack of funding. It’ll cost $500 to $600 million to complete, and supporters hope $80 billion in funding for rail projects…

Northlanders Pack Restaurants for Easter Brunch Again After Pandemic Shutdowns

At Sara's Table Chester Creek Café in the Chester Park neighborhood was packed for their Easter brunch indoors and on the patio.

DULUTH, Minn.- Easter Sunday was a busy day for restaurants in the Northland offering Easter meals or brunch. At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Café in the Chester Park neighborhood was packed for their Easter brunch indoors and on the patio. Management says after a year of unknowns being closed through much of the pandemic last year it’s refreshing to have…

International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Hopeful for Success this Spring, Summer

The U.S., Canadian Border Remains Closed to Non-Essential Travel as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – With summer just around the corner, many small communities in the region are anticipating a boost in tourism as the weather starts to warm. Tricia Heibel is President of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and is hopeful the spring and summer seasons will be beneficial this year for local businesses. Heibel says overall, she’s…

Port Authority: Suez Canal Blockage Shouldn’t Have Big Impact on Twin Ports Shipping

Officials say the incident may have a small impact here and is much to blame for container shortages and delays of other shipments across the country.

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority say they’re not expecting much of an impact in the twin ports after the Suez Canal got blocked by a ship for almost a week. The ship called “Ever Given” was dislodged Monday. Port Authority officials say vessels that come through Duluth-Superior don’t typically use the Suez. But they do use…

Knowing Your Neighbors: ‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ Aims to Bring Authentic Mexican Flavor to Northland

The slice of authentic Mexican cuisine opened up downtown in the old Coney Island space on East Superior Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- A slice of authentic Mexican cuisine opened up downtown in the old Coney Island space on East Superior Street last week – Tacos Tacos Tacos. “It is totally different than a lot of American style tacos you find,” said owner Robert Giuliani. Tacos Tacos Tacos was born out of owner and chef Robert Giuliani’s Mexican heritage and recent…

Line 3 Pipeline Protesters March Through Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A group of Line 3 pipeline protesters marched through the streets of downtown Duluth Sunday morning. The march was led by Indigenous water protectors, as they prefer to be called. The activists believe the pipeline is a threat to Native American waters and climate change. A Duluth police spokesperson said officers observed the protest from afar and…

Some Superior Bars, Restaurants Hope New To-Go Cocktail Sales Help Industry

Per a new bill signed by Governor Tony Evers Friday, mixed drinks and glasses of wine can be sold to go for pickup only, as long as they have tamper-evident seals.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting Sunday Wisconsin bars and restaurants can sell cocktails to-go, and some Superior establishment owners say after a rough pandemic year, any way to make some extra money is welcome. Per a new bill signed by Governor Tony Evers Friday, mixed drinks and glasses of wine can be sold to go for pickup only, as long as they…

In Minneapolis, An Immigrant Street Struggles To Recover

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nearly all the wreckage along Lake Street has been hauled away. The fire-swept buildings have been torn down or repaired. The police station is empty, its entryway sealed with stacked concrete blocks like a street corner pharaoh’s tomb. The street, the focus of so much violence when protests raged through Minneapolis after George Floyd died in police…

Big Daddy’s Burgers Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Big Daddy’s Burgers on Piedmont Avenue is celebrating its 20th anniversary today.

DULUTH, Minn. – Big Daddy’s Burgers on Piedmont Avenue is celebrated its 20th anniversary Friday. During the first portion of the pandemic, the restaurant didn’t do takeout and was shut down completely. But now that they are back open, owners say the support for their restaurant during these difficult times has been amazing. “It’s amazing that we’ve made it this…

Canal Bark Recovering After Tough Pandemic Year

Before the pandemic, about 50 to 70 dogs would board at Canal Bark per night, now owners said they're improving at 10-15 per night.

DULUTH, Minn.- As people are slowly starting to travel again, doggy daycare facilities like Canal Bark are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel after a quiet year. Before the pandemic, about 50 to 70 dogs would board at Canal Bark per night. But last year, there were no more than 5 at a time throughout…

‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ Brings Mexican Flavor to Downtown Duluth

The owner says opening up during the pandemic came with challenges, like securing equipment, importing ingredients, and hiring.

DULUTH, Minn.- A slice of authentic Mexican cuisine opened up downtown in the old Coney Island space on East Superior Street. The joint is called Tacos Tacos Tacos. They serve a variety of authentic Mexican taqueria favorites most notably Al Pastor style: pork rotating on a spit cooked over a low flame. The owner says opening up during the pandemic…

First Photo to Close Doors After 28 Years in Business

Printing at First Photo will be available through the end of this month, with the business closing in late April.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime photo printing and photography store in Duluth is closing its doors after more than 28 years in business. The owner of First Photo on Central Entrance Road says it wasn’t necessarily just the pandemic. He says demand for high quality photo orders and prints has dropped over the years as more people took to sharing photos…

Former Cloquet Hardware Store Turning into New Thrift Shop

NorthStar Community Services Will Soon Open a Thrift Store in the Former Space of Wood City Lights and Hardware

CLOQUET, Minn. – A longtime hardware store in Cloquet will soon be shutting its doors for good. But new hope is on the horizon for the space. “It’s just wonderful to be part of the community,” said Linda Erickson, former owner of Erickson Hardware in Cloquet. Erickson has a love for helping residents in her community fix just about anything…

Regulators Suspend PolyMet’s Wetlands Permit for Mine

The suspension means five major permits for the $1 billion PolyMet project are now stayed or under review.

  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal regulator has suspended the PolyMet Mining Corp.’s permit to dredge more than 900 acres of wetland for Minnesota’s first copper mine. The ruling is a victory for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa which attempted to protect Indigenous water quality standards as a “downstream state” under the Clean Water Act. The…

Ely Business Owners Optimistic for Brighter Days Ahead

From Taprooms to Outfitters, Ely Businesses Remain Optimistic as Summer Tourism Season Inches Closer

ELY, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, there’s no doubt about it, many of us are counting down the days until summer finally sets in, allowing for more time outdoors, and the perfect setting to safely visit with friends and family. “All the campsites are at least 1/8 mile apart, so I guess social distancing is just perfect. You can’t…

Family-Owned Business Expanding To Former Shopko Location In Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A family-owned Two Harbors business is opening a new location in the city’s former Shopko building, which has been sitting empty since the summer of 2019. The husband-and-wife owners of Seagren’s True Value in downtown Two Harbors will transform the old Shopko into Seagren’s Home, Hardware, and Outdoors. They say they’re going to offer virtually all…

Sidewalk Days Among Events Set to Return to Downtown Duluth

The Greater Downtown Council is planning to put on Eat Downtown week next month, while Sidewalk Days and Movies in the Park will return.

DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Downtown Duluth will be busy with entertainment this summer. The Greater Downtown Council is planning on putting on Eat Downtown week next month while Sidewalk Days and Movies in the Park will return in June and July. President Kristi Stokes says after months planning before the governor eased restrictions it’s nice to know those events…

Bayfront Park to Host Summer Entertainment Again After Dark Pandemic Year

Fourth Fest, Reggae and World Music Festival and more are set to return this summer.

DULUTH, Minn.- Entertainment is on its way back to Bayfront Festival Park this summer, a true sign the pandemic is being pushed farther behind us to allow the City of Duluth to showcase its water front view, full of concerts and even Fourth Fest. “It will be busy, we’ll see cars and we’ll see bodies down in Bayfront Park this…

Some Duluth Bike Shops Get Busy As Spring Nears

Stewart's Bikes, Sports and Trophies is seeing an uptick in bike tune-ups, and customers looking for electric bikes

DULUTH, Minn.- With spring in the air Bike Shops are getting busier. The owner of Stewart’s Bikes, Sports and Trophies in Duluth’s Lincoln Park says business was pretty steady last year with more people wanting to get outside during the pandemic. As for right now, he’s seeing an uptick in bike tune-ups, and customers looking for electric bikes. “They’re ready…

Foster’s Bar and Grill Prepping for St. Patrick’s Day Wednesday

Foster's is prepping hundreds of pounds of corned beef, cabbage, Irish potato soup, and more traditional eats.

DULUTH, Minn.- Foster’s Bar And Grill along with other Irish pubs and bars in Duluth are preparing for a St. Patrick’s Day party that’s closer to normal, after Governor Walz’s loosened restrictions kicked in today. Foster’s Bar and Grill on Arrowhead Road is prepping hundreds of pounds of corned beef, cabbage, Irish potato soup, and more traditional eats. Owners say…

U.S. Rep. Stauber Hears Iron Rangers’ Hopes to Bring Critical Minerals Mining to Region

In what he called a community conversation in Aurora, MN, the Congressman heard feedback which he plans to bring back to Washington D.C.

AURORA, Minn.- 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber stopped by the Aurora Community Center Monday for a town hall style meeting with Iron Rangers, joining them in wanting to bring critical minerals mining to the Iron Range. “It’d be nice to see a new generation of people coming to the Iron Range to take on the next generation of mining,” said…

Dubh Linn Brew Pub Ready for St. Patrick’s Day with Restrictions Loosening in Minnesota Monday

Social distancing will be in effect, and the bar will be at no more than 75% capacity to comply with the Governor's new orders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s loosened restrictions take effect on Monday — just in time For St. Patrick’s Day in Duluth. Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is hosting an in-person family friendly event starting at 11:00 Wednesday morning with live music, corned beef and cabbage made from scratch, and more. Owner Mike Maxim says after a year stuck inside…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Talks Grants For Restaurants, More Aspects of American Rescue Plan in Duluth Visit

Minnesota Senator Klobuchar stopped by The Boat Club Restaurant in Duluth's Fitger's Complex to talk about the multi-billion dollar Restaurant Act.

DULUTH, Minn.- As stimulus checks start landing in the accounts of Americans this weekend, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar stopped by Duluth today to talk with the mayor and restaurant owners about the federal aid they’ll now receive from the American Rescue Plan. It’s a part of President Biden’s new COVID relief bill called the Restaurants Act. “This is focused on…

CVS Health, Goodrich Join Pharmacies Administering Vaccine

Three CVS in-store pharmacies at Target stores in Duluth, Rochester and Eden Prairie will receive 3,510 vaccine doses this week.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – CVS Health and Goodrich Pharmacy have been added to the expanding network of pharmacies vaccinating Minnesotans across the state. Three CVS in-store pharmacies at Target stores in Duluth, Rochester and Eden Prairie will receive 3,510 vaccine doses this week. The announcement Saturday by Gov. Tim Walz means Minnesota now has five pharmacies with dozens of…

Restrictions Loosened at Salons

With changes coming to salons where they won’t have to deal with capacity limits, some local owners say it will be a big help to their business.

DULUTH, Minn. – With changes coming to salons where they won’t have to deal with capacity limits, some local owners say it will be a big help to their business. At Rue 48 in Canal Park, owners say they’ve been taking extra precautions to help keep people safe and comfortable no matter how many people can be in the business…

Iron Range Businesses React to Capacity Increase

"I think that's an excellent win for restaurants and bars. I'm extremely happy to be at that capacity now," Sawmill Saloon Owner, Alyssa Horan says. 

VIRGINIA, Minn. –  Several local businesses on the Iron Range gathered at the Sawmill Saloon and Restaurant in Virginia to voice their concerns about how the pandemic has impacted their revenue. “Turning of the dials came as a surprise which is hard to plan for. Businesses have a plan. They have their own plan and Minnesota should have a plan…

Local Career Expert Weighs in on Extension of Unemployment Benefits

Duluth's CareerForce is Ready and Willing to Help Unemployed Residents Move Forward

DULUTH, Minn. – This week President Biden signed the new American Rescue Plan into law. The 1.9 trillion dollar stimulus plan includes money for unemployment benefits through Sept. 6, 2021. Locally, St. Louis County reports 3,500 residents continue to file for weekly unemployment benefits, which are down significantly from the peak of 15,000 workers when the pandemic first began. Those…

Superior City Council Approves To Pay Off $2.5 Million Debt From Kestrel Aircraft Deal

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is no longer carrying the burden of more than $2 million in debt caused by the Kestrel Aircraft Company project deal. The Superior City Council recently approved to pay off the debt a year early. In 2012, the company had plans to build a manufacturing plant for its aircrafts, which would have brought…

Spirit Mountain Task Force Comes Out with Findings on Financial Stability

The 250-page report included recommendations to Spirit and to the City.

DULUTH, Minn.- After nine months of work, the Spirit Mountain Task Force has released its findings involving the ski resort’s financial stability. The task force appointed by Mayor Larson found that for every one dollar in tourism tax Spirit Mountain produced an $18 economic impact return to the city. The 250-page report included eight business improvement strategies. The task force…

KYN: Frame Up

The owners of the shop are thankful for these artists allowing them to stay busy in these difficult times.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local frame up shop in Grand Rapids has been thriving during the pandemic with owner Eric Mann taking it over nearly three years ago. “The majority of our work is custom framing. So people bring in their own artwork and pick out mats, pick out frames and make it look good,” Frame Up Owner, Eric Mann…

Duluth YMCA Give Thanks To Local AmeriCorps Members

Currently, there are about 100 AmeriCorps members stationed in the Duluth area that work in many different fields, including helping in local schools.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Family YMCA is giving a special thank you to AmeriCorps members that have dedicated their time helping make a difference in the Duluth community. This week is National AmeriCorps week. Local chapter members and their families will get a chance to enjoy free entry to the YMCA all week. Currently, there are about 100…

Unseasonable Warmth Brings Welcomed Boost for Duluth Breweries During Pandemic Winter

Staff at Ursa Minor and Blacklist Brewing say the warm weather is bringing many customers to sit outside, and inside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Small breweries across Duluth say the unseasonably warm temperatures — pushing 50 degrees in some places Sunday — has brought their businesses closer to normal than they’ve ever felt in the past year. “It has been nice to do things back to, quote-unquote, ‘normal,’” said Niki McArthur, Bartender and Pizza Oven Tender at Ursa Minor Brewing. It looked…

Cohasset City Leaders Look to Expand Industrial Park

Cohasset city officials announced they've received over $4 million in funding

COHASSET, Minn. – The city of Cohasset will soon be building a brand new manufacturing facility with the hope of attracting new businesses. Last week Cohasset city officials announced they’ve received over $4 million in funding courtesy of a multi-million dollar grant from the economic development administration and other funds from the city of Cohasset economic development. “We’ve known we…

Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol Continues

This was the 24th annual Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol event.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland leaders gathered Thursday morning for a virtual event to discuss this years legislative session. The event hosted by the Duluth Chamber of Commerce was geared towards showing support for Northland projects in the 2021 legislative session. One of the focuses being on providing broadband internet access to all Minnesotans with many schools having more virtual options…

‘Change Is Coming’ To Grandma’s Sports Garden

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially changing its business model — saying goodbye to the college nightclub weekend vibe that the pandemic sidelined and saying hello to a unique, rentable space for all types of special events. Brian Daugherty, president of Grandma’s Restaurant Company Pictures were posted on The Sports Garden’s social media Wednesday with…

Northland Organization Gives Energy Saving Tips

Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they're not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization is working to promote more energy efficiency during all seasons. Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they’re not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic. The thermostats should be set at 68 in the winter and 72 in the summer, and…

Some Cloquet Bar Owners Want Liquor License Relief for When Pandemic Dried Sales

While they're seeking a prorated or discounted fee, the City says reducing the liquor license fee would have other repercussions.

CLOQUET, Minn.- After months of pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions where some or all of their establishments sat unused, some bar and restaurant owners in Cloquet are asking the City Administration for a break in liquor license fees. “Quite honestly at this point we’re just asking them to help us with something. Whether it be prorated by day, prorated by month,…