Business

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…

Business Owners On Lake Vermilion Optimistic for Much Better Summer Season

The Owners of Lake Vermilion Houseboats and Pike Bay Lodge Look Forward to Welcoming Guests Back to the Great Outdoors

LAKE VERMILION, Minn. – After a year of the unknown and countless cancellations, the summer season is looking brighter for businesses along Lake Vermilion. “This year is looking to be our best year-to-date,” said Kyle Colbert, owner of Lake Vermilion Houseboats. The scene is calm on Lake Vermilion, but many business owners are preparing for a stampede of activity as…

New Pet Grooming Service Open in Superior

Purr-fectly Superior Grooming opened in June of 2020 but has taken off as of late with more people opting for a more personal grooming style.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A new mobile grooming service is now open in Superior. Purr-fectly Superior Grooming opened in June of 2020 but has taken off as of late with more people opting for a more personal grooming style. Owner Amy Laessig says, along with bringing her unique services to your home she also helps educate the owners about pet maintenance…

Direct Flights to Arizona, Florida Coming to Duluth International Airport this Winter

According to airport management, it’s a growth in service that will hopefully revitalize Duluth as a travel hub in the region.

DULUTH, Minn.- This winter, travelers will be able to fly directly to the southwest and the southeast from the Duluth International Airport, with non-stop flights to Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Myers, Florida coming from the twin cities based airline Sun Country. “To have an airline partner that’s in growth mode and offer a new and exciting product that’s leisure-focused will…

Landline to Increase Rides from Duluth International to MSP to Five Times a Day

This is an upgrade, from their previous schedule of just two times daily.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Landline bus service has announced it’s expanding the number of trips between the Duluth International Airport and the Minneapolis- St. Paul Airport. Starting on May 15th Landline will offer five daily round trips between the two spots on their flagship 35-seat motor coach service with free Wi-Fi and on-board movies. This is an upgrade, from their previous…

Looking Back, Ahead Three Years After Husky Refinery Explosion Rocked Superior

Now three years to the day later officials with the Husky Refinery say rebuild is going well.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been three years to the day since the Husky Refinery exploded shaking the City Of Superior and forcing thousands to leave their homes and evacuate. Mayor Jim Paine looks back at the incident, as Husky says it’s on track for a full 2023 reopen April 26th 2018 was turned upside down when the Refinery exploded. “We were…

Duluth International Airport To Announce ‘New Air Service’

DULUTH, Minn — A big announcement is about to be made at the Duluth International Airport in just days involving a “new air service.” The announcement will be made this Tuesday during a press conference at 11 a.m. about a “new air service coming to the region,” according to Natalie Peterson, the Duluth Airport Authority’s director of communications and marketing. …

Cooking Connection: Cozy Hen’s Lemon Cheesecake

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Cooking Connection, Meteorologist Ken Slama knows what to do when life gives him lemons — whip up a lemon cheesecake with the owner of The Cozy Hen cheesecakes! Categories: Business, Community, Cooking Connection, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: cheesecake, Cozy Hen, Heather Birong, lemon cheesecake

‘The Back Alley’ Provides Surfing Goods for Growing Northland Sport

Within the last two years, the back alley was made a reality.

DULUTH, Minn. — “Just in the last five years it’s really starting to spike up,” Back Alley Owner, Jerome Fischer says. That growth led Jerome Fischer and his family to purchase this building in Lincoln Park “For the last eight to ten years we’ve kind of been doing pop-ups and different events for the community,” Fischer says. Within the last…

Rambler Food Truck Reopens for Season

Staff say the warmer months couldn’t have come soon enough as they love seeing all their customers once again.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Rambler food truck has opened for its 2021 season. The truck was spotted outside the Rose Garden earlier Tuesday where they dish up everything from teriyaki pulled pork to Mahi tacos. Staff say the warmer months couldn’t have come soon enough as they love seeing all their customers once again. “We’re all super excited for the season,” said…

KYN: J and T Sales

The thrift store has new products coming in every day.

EVELETH, Minn. — J and T sales in Eveleth has been open for five years, and after suffering a devastating fire back in 2018 where they had to toss most of their inventory, the store has come back stronger. “It’s so fabulous because they are reasonable cost. You’re not going to spend a lot of pair of pants that somebody…

UW-Superior Students Giving Away Reusable Straws

Organizers say, students wanted to participate in community events like these and also help the environment.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The UW-Superior student organization is doing their part to keep the campus green. On Monday, students handed out rubber, bamboo, and steel reusable straws to help promote Earth Week. Organizers say, students wanted to participate in community events like these and also help the environment. “We decided to come up with lots of eco-friendly ways to celebrate…

Pajama Party Tradition Continues at Copasetic Lounge

Awards were given out at the end of the day to the top two males and females with the best original pajamas.

DULUTH, Minn.– If you didn’t feel like getting out of your pajamas this morning, you weren’t alone. After a 6 year break, the Copasetic Lounge on Central Entrance in Duluth brought back their PJ Party event. There was a DJ inside the bar or customers could play games out on the patio. All while sipping on free mimosas. Staff said…

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…