Business Archives - Page 31 of 93

‘If the Dress Fits’ Back with Prom Dress Giveaway

They only ask they pay $10 for an appointment, as they have a new “dress garage” location in Carlton they need some help heating.

February 11, 2022

Arman Rahman,

CARLTON, Minn.- Finding a prom dress can be stressful for many families, not to mention costly. But one local mother-daughter duo is back helping with that. Amy Arntson and her daughter founded “If the Dress Fits” 7 years ago, providing free prom dresses to hundreds of teens across the northland. After taking a break due to the pandemic, they’re back…

Fans Flock to Local Liquor Stores for Super Bowl Sunday Beverages

People have been buying up beers and even higher end spirits, management said.

February 11, 2022

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Super Bowl Sunday is just two days away and local liquor stores are seeing fans come to stock up for their watch parties. Over at Keyport Liquor and Lounge on Belknap Street in Superior, they say even though there’s less excitement than if the Packers or Vikings were playing, people have still been buying up beers and even…

Duluth Exploring Ways to Continue Drawing Film Industry to the Northland

Experts talked about the economic impact of productions shot locally, and how to keep the lights, camera and action here as much as possible, instead of pricier Los Angeles.

February 10, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Movie making in the Northland was the focus of a round table discussion Thursday hosted by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. Experts talked about the economic impact of productions shot locally, and how to keep the lights, camera and action here as much as possible, instead of pricier Los Angeles. Just in the last year local…

Duluth Mask Mandate Set To Expire

"We are now moving not towards ending this pandemic, but finding ways to co-exist with it,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said.

February 9, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — With the Duluth mask mandate ending Saturday, businesses are looking forward to serving their community face to face, once again. “We are now moving not towards ending this pandemic, but finding ways to co-exist with it,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said. The past 30 days, Duluth has had to mask up in attempts of trying to slow…

Pizzerias Preparing for Busy Super Bowl Sunday

February 9, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday, pizza restaurants are preparing for a busier than usual day. Do North Pizzeria and Pub in Hermantown says they enjoy the added business during the winter months, as they see an increase in deliveries when compared to a typical Sunday. “We do a lot of deliveries all the way up…

West Duluth Business Club Duluth Chamber

West Duluth Business Club Joins Duluth Chamber

February 9, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Chamber welcomed a new member Wednesday, the West Duluth Business Club. The organization with its around 150 members say they are ready to help contribute to the chamber, as well as use the chamber’s resources to help their businesses grow. “To expose our businesses to other opportunities of learning how to run our businesses better,” says…

$19 Million in Federal Infrastructure Funding Awarded to Port of Duluth-Superior

It's one of the first grants to go out for ports as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act enacted in November.

February 8, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Millions of federal dollars are now going toward shoring up and improving the infrastructure of the Port of Duluth-Superior. It’s one of the first grants to go out for ports as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act enacted in November. The act awards $19 million the Senator says to ensure the biggest port on all…

Business at Local Flower Shops Blooming Ahead of Valentine’s Day

The owner of the Rose Man on Central Entrance says in a typical Valentine's Day week she can sell upward of 12,000 flowers.

February 8, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With Valentine’s Day less than a week away local flower shops are seeing more business. The owner of the Rose Man on Central Entrance says in a typical Valentine’s Day week she can sell upward of 12,000 flowers. But this year, she says due to the supply chain shortage her wholesalers are sending her fewer flowers per box….

Warm Day Fills Tommy’s Express Car Wash with More than Thousand Vehicles

They say even though they use water heated up to 120 degrees and 18 blowers to dry the car people still feel better coming in on days where the water is less likely to freeze on their vehicles.

February 8, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- That warmer air and melting snow had people anxious to wash off months of winter. On warmer days like Tuesday the folks at Tommy’s Express Car Wash on Central Entrance can get more than 1,000 cars coming through a day with more than 100 an hour. They say even though they use water heated up to 120 degrees…

New Lincoln Park Coffee, Tea Shop Attracting Roasters from Across the U.S.

190 Coffee and Tea is Located at 1831 West Michigan Street in Duluth

February 7, 2022

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – They’re beverages enjoyed all year long in the Northland, however, a hot cup of tea or coffee on a bitter winter day can be satisfying beyond words. “This is exactly what I signed up for is negative ten-degree weather, that is what I wanted,” said Corey Roysdon, general manager at 190 Coffee and Tea. You could say…

Majority of Jobs Lost During Pandemic Recovered, Twin Ports Employers Still Short on Labor, Officials Say

So employers have been trying to make themselves more appealing. For example, wages have gone up 10% on average.

February 7, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Twin Ports job market is headed in the right direction. That’s according to Duluth Workforce Development officials, who say 76% of the jobs lost since the pandemic began have been recovered. But according to the Director of Workforce Development, Elena Foshay, every industry is still experiencing labor shortages with about 2 jobs per seeker for each field….

Belgian Club Offers One-Stop-Shop for Local Valentine’s Day Gifts

February 5, 2022

KQDS Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and the Belgian Club held a one-stop-shop for anyone looking for a gift for a locally-crafted gift for their sweetheart. 30 tables with dozens of vendors were on hand. One specialized in gifts soft to the touch for the soft at heart. “I do crocheted items, they’re all handmade. It started…

Brrr Garden Debuts at the Great Lakes Aquarium

February 4, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Even though it’s not summer the Great Lakes Aquarium still kept its Beer Garden tradition going this month with their first ever Brrr Garden. The patio space has been used the past two summers for the Beer Garden but this is the first winter they are introducing this version. They have cocktails named after the sturgeons at…

Yes, Cheese Pop-Up at Bent Paddle

February 4, 2022

Mason Kroll,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle on Friday said yes to cheese, holding a pop-up event for a local dairy-centric business. Yes, Cheese brought a selection of their products for people to try and had boxes available for purchase. These boxes come in a variety of sizes and styles and include meat, crackers, and even some sweets. Yes, Cheese will be…

Candy Shops Planning for Busy Valentine’s Day

February 3, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Valentine’s Day is approaching, and candy shops are preparing for a rush of customers getting something sweet for their loved ones. Sweeden Sweets in Superior says they are ready for the extra business, which should start the week prior to the holiday. Still, now is the time to place in orders so that it can be ready…

Councilors Approve $200k to Support Childcare

February 2, 2022

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The City of Superior is taking a financial step forward to try to close the childcare shortage gap. Councilors have approved 200,000 dollars of state and local fiscal recovery funds to tackle the issue of a lack of childcare in Superior, which is also a problem in Duluth, and cities across the US. The funds will be…

JJ Astor, Bowery Bros. to Receive Rebranding, $500,000 in Renovations

Both Establishments Are Expected to Open in the Spring of 2022

February 2, 2022

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Twin Cities-based restaurant company is looking to invest over a half-million dollars into the two restaurants associated with the iconic Radisson hotel in Duluth. Purpose Driven Restaurants will be taking over, and renovating the current JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge and Bowery Bros. The iconic rotating restaurant atop the Radisson will continue to spin when renovations…

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Prepares For the Valentines Rush

February 1, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The most romantic day of the year is upon us and the countdown is on for shops to get orders ready to celebrate the special day. Valentine ’s Day is a holiday known for chocolates and flowers and showing the ones you love how much you care. The one great way to do that this year is…

Shipping Up In the Northland

February 1, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Well the numbers are in, the shipping season bounced back this past year after the pandemic dragged it down in 2020, with almost 30 percent more tons of product coming through the port. The product that topped the charts once again was iron ore which continues to be the king cargo for the Duluth port. Iron ore…

New Business in Superior Sells Vehicle Audio Equipment, Accessories

February 1, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new business in Superior is available to help people get the best sound from their vehicles, whether it’s their car, truck, SUV, UTV, ATV, motorcycle or boat. Soundtronics offers a variety of audio products, ranging from speakers to subwoofers to batteries. They also sell accessories such as light bars, wheels, and tires. “We offer all kinds of…

KYN: The Local Bar and Grille in Ashland is Open for Business

January 31, 2022

Mason Kroll,

ASHLAND, Wis. – “We are really excited to be a part of the community here,” The Local Bar and Grille co-owner, Bradley Moullet says. A new restaurant in Ashland, Wisconsin is open for business. The Local Bar and Grille opened in December and has taken over a building known for hosting events in the community. “It has a lot of…

Minnesota Nice Dog Company: Duluth Themed Shirts

January 31, 2022

Mason Kroll,

DULUTH, Minn. – A local pet-sitting business has started a new venture that’ll also support animals in return. The owner of Twin Ports Pet Sitters has started ‘Minnesota Nice Dog Company.’ It’s an online T-shirt company that gives 5 percent of its profits to animal charities and groups in the Duluth area. The shirts have animal-themed sayings like “Minnesota… Land…

Fans at Beargrease Starting Line Pack Surrounding Businesses Again

Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go.

January 30, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Marathon always provides a much-needed boost to businesses by the starting line on the outskirts of Duluth. Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go. This year they offered breakfast sandwiches mimosas and Bloody Mary’s and a fire pit with hay bales to enjoy the race outside. After a year with no…

Damaged Duluth Gas Main Fixed, Residents No Longer Need To Turn Down Heat

Without residents' cooperation, neighborhoods were at risk of a full shutoff.

January 30, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth says home and business owners east of Lake Avenue no longer have to keep their thermostats low as crews have assessed and repaired a massive gas main that was damaged last week. According to the City the natural gas main was struck within the ‘can of worms’ construction site on Thursday. It’s the City’s…

Judge Upholds Minneapolis Vaccine-Or-Test Rule For Eateries

January 30, 2022

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Hennepin County judge has upheld Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s vaccine-or-test mandate for bar and restaurant customers after several business owners asked for a temporary restraining order against the initiative. The mandate that took effect this month requires customers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative virus test within three days to dine at restaurants…

Spirit Room Debuts Ice Bar for Annual Ice Festival

January 29, 2022

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior businesses also decked themselves up for ice festival weekend. The Spirit Room on Broadway Street always showcases their penguin ice sculpture out front, and after expanding this past summer to have an outdoor patio, they also added an ice bar this weekend. Manager Lindsey Graskey tells us she hoped it add even more to their annual…

Duluth Natural Gas Residents Asked to Keep Thermostats Low Through Weekend After Gas Main Break Thursday

January 29, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- All natural gas residents east of Lake Avenue are asked to maintain 62 degrees inside homes and businesses through the weekend, as City of Duluth crews continue repairing a large gas main that was damaged within the Can of Worms construction going on near Michigan street and 19th Avenue West Thursday. “Crews have been working hard to repair the…

Earth Rider Brewery to Hold Mini Dog Sled Fundraiser for Beargrease Marathon

January 28, 2022

Ken Slama,

SUPERIOR, WI – For the past several years leading up to the Beargrease Dog Sled Marathon, a mini dog sled race is held and this year it will take place at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior. This event acts as a fundraiser for the Beargrease and is sure to be great family fun. “I think it’s going to be a…

Hoops Brewing Company Open Again after Pipe Burst Earlier this Month

January 28, 2022

Ken Slama,

DULUTH, MN – Back on January 6, a pipe burst forced the temporary closure of Hoops Brewing Company in Canal Park, flooding part of the building. After a cleanup effort that took a couple of weeks, there are only a few noticeable differences, but mostly they are grateful to the community for helping them during the ordeal. “We have some…

Duluth Plow Drivers: Garbage Cans Left On Streets Won’t Survive

January 27, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve got your garbage cans all over the street right now, the city of Duluth’s snow plow drivers are hoping you’ll get those cans out of the way so they don’t blast through them when the next snow falls. The city says it’s actually illegal to place your garbage cans and recycle bins in the right…

Beating the Winter Blues with a Trip to Bayfield County

Bayfield County and the Surrounding Areas Offer a Plethora of Activities for All Ages in the Winter

January 27, 2022

Brett Scott,

BAYFIELD, Wis. – If you don’t embrace it, winter in the upper Midwest can be a dreadful time of year. The folks in Bayfield County have an extreme passion for the season and look to share it with others. “It’s pretty much a Hallmark movie,” said Kati Anderson, marketing director for Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau. “We’ve very inclusive. Everybody’s…

Beargrease Needs More Volunteers In Multiple Regions To Keep Race Safe

January 27, 2022

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is just a few days away, but the event that spans over multiple cities in the Northland is still looking for more volunteers. Beargrease averages about 400 volunteers every year who help out in a multitude of ways, but COVID has been taking some of them out with quarantine. Right now,…

Duluth Airport: Sun Country Flights To Florida, Arizona In Demand

January 26, 2022

Ken Slama,

DULUTH, MN – Sun Country Airlines has been operating for a little over a month in and out of the Duluth Airport and officials tell us the new service has been in demand from locals. We’re told flights destined for Ft. Myers, Florida and Phoenix, Arizona continue to operate near capacity while leaving enough openings for those who decide they…

City Of Duluth Sets 2022 Legislative Priorities

January 25, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and the city council have unanimously agreed on the priorities they would like to see the Minnesota state legislature fund during budget talks in St. Paul this year. The three main priorities include continuing to receive the money the state sends to support local governments, which Duluth uses to fund up to 35…

Lake Superior Brewing Co. Looking at Summer Re-Opening with Brewpub, Apartments

The new owners of Lake Superior Brewing are a year and a half into redeveloping the building in the Lakeside/Lester Park Neighborhood

January 24, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- One of the oldest breweries in Minnesota is inching closer to its reopening in its new Lakeside/Lester Park building this summer. The new owners of Lake Superior Brewing are a year and a half into redeveloping the building formerly occupied by Xcel Xercise and Sun City Tanning Center on Superior Street. The Maxims are turning the building into…

Businesses Near Beargrease Starting Line in Duluth Ready for Spectators to Return

For the small Breeze Inn on the outskirts of Duluth, last year's lack of fans after a year riddled with COVID shutdowns was tough.

January 23, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After a year with no fans, the small community of businesses out where the Beargrease starting line is are excited and relieved to have people inside watching the race again. For the small Breeze Inn on the outskirts of Duluth, last year’s lack of fans after a year riddled with COVID shutdowns was tough. So this year they’re…

Council To Vote Monday On Procedure To Fill Medved’s At-Large Seat

January 23, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will decided how to move forward with Derek Medved’s at-large seat after he announced he’s leaving the council Feb. 14 to focus on his KornerStore business. The proposal is calling for an application process through the city’s website, which will close at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 14, which is Medved’s final council meeting. The…

Cirrus Aircraft Plans To Expand In Duluth

January 23, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth says Cirrus Aircraft has plans to expand its operations into a massive hangar at the Duluth Airport that was left vacant by AAR in 2020 when the company left town. A city spokesperson told FOX 21 Sunday that Cirrus wants some financial help from the city and St. Louis County over the next…

Minnesota Lawmakers Face $7.7B Surplus In 2022 Session

January 23, 2022

Dan Hanger,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature will confront a $7.7 billion surplus when it convenes Monday, Jan. 31. And that’s bound to set up clashes in this election year over whether to spend the money on unmet needs or give it back to taxpayers. The main job for lawmakers in even-numbered years traditionally is a public works…

Derek Medved Leaving Duluth City Council In February

January 21, 2022

Dan Hanger,

Derek Medved at his first city council meeting in 2020 DULUTH, Minn. – At-Large Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved has decided he will be leaving his term two years early to focus on his growing business, FOX 21 has learned. “I have things on the horizon I need to focus on for business,” Medved said in a statement to FOX…

Duluth ‘Law Enforcement Accountability Network’ Marks One Year, Calls For More Feedback

January 20, 2022

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A data-driven police accountability group in Duluth is calling on more people from all communities to share experiences they’ve had with police — good or bad — as the group recognizes its one-year mark. The Law Enforcement Accountability Network, or LEAN Duluth, says it has no political agenda. The goal is to produce hard research through all…

Duluth Grill Closed For Renovations

January 20, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Last Monday, The Duluth Grill closed up to begin renovations on the building. Including some new flooring and taking time to do some deep cleaning. Coming up on the 21st year of business at Duluth Grill, co-owner Louis Hanson tells us they decided to renovate again as investing in the building also helps with the customer experience….

How Frosty Ridge Keeps Their Alpacas Warm During The Winter

January 19, 2022

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. –At the Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm in Duluth, the owners tell us that the challenge to keep their alpacas warm isn’t the subzero temperatures in the winter, but actually keeping them comfortable with the humidity level. Alpacas are native to the Andes Mountains in South America, where it’s actually far less humid than Minnesota, even in the winter….

Spirit Mountain, Depot, Northern Lights Express Included in Gov. Walz’s Bonding Recommendations

Roughly $50 million is proposed to go to different entities in Northeastern Minnesota.

January 18, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s bonding recommendations for 2022 amounts to $2.7 billion. The largest in the state’s history includes much-needed funding for Duluth and the surrounding area. “They’re very geo-balanced across the state of Minnesota and these are projects that local folks requested. But there are projects in there that enhance our quality of life,” Gov. Walz said…

Walz Bonding Proposal: $1M For Lake Superior College’s Manufacturing Program Expansion Plans

January 18, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has put aside $1 million in his bonding proposal to help Lake Superior College develop plans to expand its Integrated Manufacturing program. LSC officials said demand has outgrown the current facility in downtown Duluth. So in the coming years, the program will be moved and expanded back onto the main campus on Trinity…

Spirit Mountain, St. Louis County Depot Among Northland Entities in Gov. Walz’s 2022 Bonding Recommendations

According to a spokesperson with the City of Duluth, the Aerial Lift Bridge was included in a write-up for the Governor's recommended $200 million for the Bridge Replacement Program.

January 18, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released his bonding recommendation of $2.7 billion, which highlights several Northland and regional entities including Spirit Mountain and the St. Louis County Depot in Duluth. For Spirit Mountain, the Governor recommended $12 million in general fund cash to the City of Duluth “to renew, replace, and improve aged infrastructure.” The total cost…

Collectors Connection Connects To More Hobbyists with New Superior Location

January 17, 2022

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just in time for the last holiday season a Duluth staple for collectors expanded their connection across the bridge. “We opened on Black Friday which, I was overly optimistic as far as being ready,” Aaron Davis said. Davis, the owner of Collectors Connection by Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, opened up a larger mecca for hobbyists across the…

Old Town Antiques’ Last Week in Business Before Being Forced Out of Building by Owner

Hall Equities, out of California, sent a letter to Old Town, Huckleberry, and Chinese Dragon restaurant last month saying they all needed to be out by January 31st.

January 17, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the last week open for Old Town Antiques and Books on Superior Street in Duluth, one of three businesses in that location forced out by the company that owns the building. Hall Equities, out of California, sent a letter to Old Town, Hucklebeary, and Chinese Dragon restaurant last month saying they all needed to be out by…

Betty White Weekend at the Spirit Room

January 15, 2022

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On the threshold of what would have been screen icon Betty White’s 100th birthday Monday, the Spirit Room in Superior decided to continue with their annual Betty White Weekend. The Spirit Room teamed up with the Douglas County Humane Society for the 6th year, in honor of Betty’s dedication to raise money for sheltered animals. They brought…

Duluth Businesses on Enforcing Indoor Mask Mandate Round 2

A few businesses who differ on how they think the mandate will affect them over the next 30 days.

January 14, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — As of 5 o’clock Friday evening, local businesses will have to require masks indoors. We caught up with a few businesses who differ on how they think the mandate will affect them over the next 30 days. One retail store in Canal Park, Flagship Apparel that screen prints, and sells some local-themed gear is coming off of…