Business

New Clothing Store Opens in Holiday Center

Hours are limited right now at Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — A new business has opened in the holiday center skywalk on superior street. “I’m a mama so everything is handmade by me so it kind of just fit perfectly,” Handmade Mama owner, Kayla Moorhead says. Owner Kayla Moorhead has been selling her products online and has gained an international following but wanted to market her products to the…

Carr’s Hobby Personal Train Collection For Final Auction

DULUTH, Minn.– A major auction is happening this weekend at Nordic Auction in Duluth as they work to sell many unique items from the late owner of Carr’s Hobby Shop. Jack Carr’s personal collection is attracting people from all over the country and even international buyers online. There have been seven auctions already with items from Mr. Carr, but this…

Truckers to Get Extra Incentives at Local Company

Because of the pandemic, there has been a bigger need for shipping and less people joining the industry.

DULUTH, Minn. — Truck drivers around the area are experiencing a shortage. Because of the pandemic, there has been a bigger need for shipping and less people joining the industry. To combat this, local trucking company Halvor Lines Inc. is offering another pay increase in early January along with other incentives, like new trucks for drivers. “They all have two…

Shorty’s Abruptly Shuts Down, Cites ‘Huge Shortage of Labor’

Due to a shortage of staff, owners say they couldn't deliver the experience they say they used to -- a problem that is affecting businesses throughout Superior and beyond.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The popular Shorty’s Pizza and Smoked Meats in Superior meats has abruptly shut down, just months after being featured again on the Food Network’s “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives.” The once bustling kitchen and busy dining area — now a dark, closed down building on Tower Avenue. “It was just out of nowhere,” said Catrina Wuolu, a 20-year Superior…

New Canal Park Business Opens

Duluth Love opened in early May

DULUTH, Minn. — “We kind of cater to a really special crowd,” Duluth Love Owner, Garrett Kirwan says. The company Pandora’s Box owns about eight stores around the Midwest including one in Wisconsin Dell. In early May, they opened up shop down in Canal Park. “Luckily things were able to fall together for us and we were able to pick…

Burlington Station Hosts Grand Opening

Burlington station opened to the public on Saturday with plans to improve the model train room throughout the summer. 

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A unique gift shop and candy store held its grand opening Saturday morning in Two Harbors. Burlington station opened to the public on Saturday with plans to improve the model train room throughout the summer. With that, they would be adding 5,000 feet of train tracks both inside and outside of the building. Chamber of commerce…

Area Campsites Excited for Busy Season

Campsites around the area began taking reservations in early February and to no surprise, they filled up quickly.

DULUTH, Minn. — Campsites around the area began taking reservations in early February and to no surprise, they filled up quickly. “In three hours I made 50 reservations,” Penmarallter Campground Co-Owner, Pennie Burton says. Campgrounds like Penmarallter on highway sixty one in Two Harbors have seen some of their biggest numbers in years. “Going into this year. Starting taking reservations….

Duluth Council Forgives Spirit Mountain’s $900K Debt As Part Of Larger Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council voted Monday to forgive $900,000 of Spirt Mountain’s $1.2 million line of credit after tabling the vote weeks ago. Councilors Derek Medved and Joel Sipress voted against the resolution. Mayor Emily Larson has previously said she agrees with the outside consultant’s recommendation to forgive most of Spirit Mountain’s debt to really move forward…

Duluth City Councilors Officially Lift Mask Mandate; City Hall Closure Update Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council unanimously voted Monday to officially end the city’s mask mandate. Councilor Terese Tomanek was absent. The vote comes after Gov. Tim Walz announced earlier this month the statewide mandate was lifted per guidance from the CDC. The city of Duluth followed up by saying it would not enforce the ordinance any longer. Councilors…

Home Improvement Businesses Working to Stay Stocked in the Twin Ports

TWIN PORTS — Home improvement season is among us, and hardware stores are having trouble keeping their shelves stocked. There is a nation-wide shortage on paint, and the price of lumber has sky-rocketed over the last year. Currently more people are working on home improvement projects across the country driving up demand on lumber, which is also being impacted by…

‘Raise the Roof for Life House Duluth’ Event Brings Local Vendors Together

A portion of those proceeds from BLUSH Music Venue went towards Life House.

DULUTH, Minn. – Life house Duluth, blush music venue, and peace of mind bath products got together to hold a block party this afternoon showcasing local vendors. The event called “Raise the Roof for Life House Duluth” puts a focus on the newly opened boutique store, Legitimate Hustle. A portion of those proceeds from BLUSH Music Venue went towards Life…

Grandma’s Sports Garden Now ‘The Garden’ Wedding & Event Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially no more and has transformed into the business of love and fun. The venue’s Facebook page has changed to its new name — The Garden. The 20,000-square foot building is now a wedding and event center for all types of occasions big or small, including reunions, private parties and…

Two Harbors’ Burlington Station to Open Soon

More additions will be coming to the model train room throughout the summer.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A new attraction will soon be opening in Two Harbors. The Burlington Station is currently still under construction with plans of having a gift shop, a gourmet candy store and a train room showcasing the communities rich railroad history. More additions will be coming to the model train room throughout the summer. “Which will have 5,000…

WITC To Become Northwood Technical College

The college will also have a mascot named Blaze the Bear.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, also known as WITC, will soon be called the Northwood Technical College, and Northwood Tech for short. The college took name and mascot submissions from the public last fall, with the board approving it all this past spring. Hundreds of students and staff members voted on their favorites. The new name, logo,…

People Taking Advantage of Nice Duluth Day

Enger tower is also a popular spot for the Twin ports express food truck.

DULUTH, Minn. — The weather eclipsed seventy degrees today meaning a lot more people were able to experience all the Northland has to offer. Enger tower was packed this afternoon with people experiencing the views, the zen garden and of course the tallest point in Duluth. Whether it’s your first time there or you’re a Duluth parks veteran, there’s something…

Ronald McDonald House Northland Receives Pop Tab, Food Donations

Since they opened, the charity has been accepting pop cap donations which all goes towards helping families in need. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The Ronald McDonald House Northland is continuing to see donations pouring in. Since its opening back in mid-February, the northand chapter has been able to host 21 families while staying at the max occupancy due to Covid-19. While partnering with Essentia Health, the Ronald McDonald House provides a place to stay for families traveling as they get…

All-Star Nutrition Opens near Miller Hill Mall

A new nutrition store in Duluth is offering not only supplements, but also diet planning and personal training programs.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new nutrition store in Duluth is offering not only supplements, but also diet planning and personal training programs. All-Star Nutrition opened right across the street from the Miller Hill Mall last week. The owner says he’s seeing a boom in people focusing on improving their health after being stuck at home. And he says his store is…

A & Dubs Reopens For 2021 Summer Season

DULUTH, Minn.- A local favorite and long-time drive-in has reopened for the season. A & Dubs in Lincoln Park is excited to be open for the new 2021 season and they are ready to serve all the drive-in favorites they have been offering since 1950. “Welcome back Duluth to an American icon. The drive thru is open, spring is on…

Groome Transportation to Resume Shuttles from Duluth to MSP Airport

Masks will be required, middle seats will be vacant for social distancing, and  buses will be sprayed with a hospital grade disinfectant between uses.

DULUTH, Minn.- As more people start taking trips again after the pandemic another shuttle is resuming service from Duluth to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Groome Transportation will restart its route on June 1st. Masks will be required, middle seats will be vacant for social distancing, and  buses will be sprayed with a hospital grade disinfectant between uses. After pausing operations…

Tortoise and Hare Footwear Gears Up For Grandma’s Marathon in June

As the buzz around Grandma's is growing, many more are coming in for running shoes and gear.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some local shoe stores are feeling the runner’s high from Grandma’s Marathon weekend approaching next month. Owners of Tortoise and Hare Footwear in Duluth’s Denfeld neighborhood say it’s been a pretty busy spring with many coming in for hiking shoes and boots to get out to places like the Superior Hiking Trail. But as the buzz around Grandma’s…

Bait Shops Anticipating Busy Opener

With the earlier ice out, the expectations are for anglers to have some nice catches this opener.

DULUTH, Minn. — Bait shops are looking to capitalize on the busy fishing opener this weekend. With the earlier ice out, the expectations are for anglers to have some nice catches this opener. Bait shops are advising to get your license early to avoid the hassle of waiting in line during the opener on Saturday. “We’ll have a express line…

Duluth Council Tables Vote on Spirit Mountain Debt Forgiveness Plan

Councilors heard the Mayor's plan the same night as the council meeting, and many said it was too short notice to vote on it just yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council Monday unanimously tabled a vote on Mayor Emily Larson’s plan to forgive $900,000 of Spirit Mountain’s $1.2 million line of credit it received from the city, to take up again at the next meeting May 24th. Councilors heard the Mayor’s plan in a Committee of the Whole meeting before Monday’s council, and many of…

Business at Engwall’s in Full Bloom on Mother’s Day

Floral designers at Engwall's say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days.

DULUTH, Minn.- Of course it wouldn’t be mother’s day without a bouquet of flower’s for mom, making local florists like Engwall’s in Duluth busy. Floral designers at Engwall’s say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days, with plenty of people coming in the store to pick something up today too. They say the most popular…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Busy for Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner

Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate mom, but do so with a fun "dining out" experience again.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a the pandemic put a damper on Mother’s Day activities last year, many restaurants were packed again with families treating their moms to a meal. While Fitger’s Brewhouse doesn’t serve the traditional mother’s day breakfast or lunch, it was still busy for lunch and dinner. Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate…

Lack of Staff Impacting Local Business Owners Along the North Shore

Staff Shortages Prompting Many Small Businesses to Make Adjustments to Menus, Hours of Operation Along the North Shore

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s a serious, seasonal problem along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The struggle to find employees at often overflowing businesses. Frustration is high among business owners as the peak summer season is now just weeks away. “We’ve tried every possible avenue to attract staff,” said Abby Tofte, owner of The Fisherman’s Daughter. It’s a common…

Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors Ready to Operate for the Summer

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz yesterday announced the loosening of many restrictions beginning today including getting rid of mandatory closure times at bars and restaurants while eliminating outdoor dining limits. We caught up with leadership from Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors who says they’re eager to operate in a more normal capacity as they hope it’s a…

Mayor Larson’s Plan: $24 Million For Duluth’s Spirit Mountain

Larson touts new jobs, more visitors and a larger economic impact from the investment.

DULUTH, Minn. – A historic shift in support for Spirit Mountain’s future was announced Thursday. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said a proposed $24 million capital investment plan will take the city-owned attraction to its true potential, which includes adding hundreds of new jobs, six times the number of visitors and increasing the economic impact of more than $10 million. “We…

DECC, Duluth Businesses Prepare for Higher Capacities and Loosed Restriction Following Walz Announcement

DULUTH, Minn.– The latest news from Governor Walz lifting restriction means that bars and restaurants in the Northland could be getting back to normal soon. Here in Duluth, local establishments are ready to welcome in more customers. Event spaces like the DECC, along with bars and restaurants around the city were surprised at how much the governor is loosening restrictions…

One of Duluth’s Top Event Promoters Reacts to Governor Walz’s Restriction Lift

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Event Promoter, Tracy Lundeen, says he is excited by Governer Walz’s remarks today, adding all of his events this Summer like, Festival by the Lake, the Duluth Fall Wedding Show, should go off without a hitch. He also offered Duluth a little bit of advice, “We always hear that saying tomorrow isn’t guaranteed so let’s get back…

Maya Mexican Restaurant Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Authentic Mexican Cuisine

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– One Mexican restaurant in Hermantown is excited to welcome customers in on this Cinco de Mayo after not being able to last Spring. With only a take-out option last year during the first shut down, in-person dining means even more to Maya Mexican this year. The restaurant is offering different specials in honor of the holiday, such as…

Canal Park Brewing Co. Reopens, Joins Businesses Anxious for Post-Pandemic Summer Tourism

After so much was canceled last summer, the businesses say with Bayfront Park's slate of events and the weather, traffic should increase.

DULUTH, Minn.- Canal Park Brewing Company has reopened for indoor dining after six months closed, just in time for a post-pandemic summer set to be busy with Bayfront festivals and events in the Canal. “It’s been really awesome just to have the energy back in the building and beer on tap and the kitchen fired up for the first time…

Duluth’s Tourism Tax Collections ‘Up Significantly’ For March

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s tourism tax revenue for the month of March is “up significantly” compared to this month last year, according to Jennifer Carlson, the city’s finance director. Hotel, motel, food and beverage tax collection for March came in at $715,296 compared to $505,680 for March of 2020.  March’s revenue is also up 10.4% from the…

Douglas County Excited for Tourism Comeback After Pandemic Dip

According to the Department of Tourism's report travelers to Douglas County spent $82.7 million in direct visitor spending last year -- a 22% dip from 2019.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- New numbers just released on Wisconsin’s tourism last year show a dip in visitor spending due to the pandemic. But Douglas County tourism officials look toward the future excited for a comeback. “A lot of other areas are experiencing tourism impacts of much more than that,” said Taylor Pedersen, President and CEO of Travel Superior. “So we’re excited…

Kari Toyota of Superior Purchases Old Motel Property As Future Home

The old vacant Manning Motel on Belknap Street will be the future site of Kari Toyota, which currently sits on Tower Avenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior’s Kari Toyota dealership is getting a new home on the former site of a motel in the Billings Park neighborhood. The old vacant Manning Motel on Belknap Street will be the future site of Kari Toyota, which currently sits on Tower Avenue. Chris and Amy Kari say the old motel’s 9 acres near the Bong Bridge is…

Ursa Minor Unveiling Brew to Raise Funds for Brain Cancer Research

This weekend Ursa Minor will debut their "Smash for Stache" brew. $2 of every crowler will be donated to Stache Strong.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local breweries across Minnesota are teaming up with a nonprofit to raise money and awareness for brain cancer research. Ursa Minor in Duluth’s Lincoln Park is partnering with nonprofit “Stache Strong.” they focus on supporting brain cancer researchers, survivors, and those suffering from disease. This weekend Ursa Minor will debut their “Smash for Stache” brew. $2 of every…

Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Food Shack Opens up in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– A new soul food restaurant is now open in downtown Duluth. Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Food Shack opened its doors Monday on West First Street. The restaurant offers southern-style comfort food, such as fried chicken, smoked wings, fried catfish, mac and cheese, cornbread, and a variety of other options that reflect the southern cuisine. The owner, Stephan Witherspoon, wants…

Twin Ports Dermatology Offers Free Skin Checks for “Melanoma Monday”

DULUTH, Minn.– The first Monday in May is nationally recognized as “Melanoma Monday” to remind Americans of the risks of skin cancer as we head into summer. Twin Ports Dermatology in Duluth offered free skin checks on Monday for new patients to raise awareness. Dermatologists are teaching patients about the ABCDE’s, which is an acronym representing possible signs of of…

Downtown Businesses Optimistic About Summer Season

As we start to see more foot traffic this summer in Duluth, downtown businesses also expect to see an increase in their staffing.

DULUTH, Minn. —  A lot of workers had to change their usual routines because of the pandemic, but now there’s light at the end of the tunnel for when businesses can get back to normal. As we start to see more foot traffic this summer in Duluth, downtown businesses also expect to see an increase in their staffing. “About 49%…

Party Supply Rental Stores Getting Busy

DULUTH, Minn. One rental store in Duluth says they are expecting a big year for business as the pandemic slows down. Over at London Road Rental, which has the same owner as Party Express in Superior, business has been growing for those renting out tents and other supplies for parties as restrictions are loosened. Owner Jerry Kortesmaki tells us last…