Business Archives - Page 51 of 93

Duluth Pastry Chef Spreading Sweetness, Safety with Delivery of Cakes, Masks

Sweet Exchange delivery is going contactless with orders of cakes and cupcakes, along with a free handmade mask.

April 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A local pastry chef who was hoping to open a new storefront in Downtown Duluth is continuing to bring sweetness to people, with an added bonus. The owner of Sweet Exchange is taking phone orders for contactless delivery of cakes and cupcakes. Think Ding Dong Ditch with a cake waiting on your doorstep. She’s also handmaking cloth masks…

West Duluth Sewing and Design Selling Handmade Masks to Stay Afloat

The sewing and alterations business is selling masks for $6, the only business they are getting right now with proms and weddings cancelled.

April 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At first, West Duluth Sewing and Design’s foray into making masks started with a donation. Now it’s their only real income, with cancelled proms and weddings slowing business. A nursing home in Moose Lake asked the owners, Jeaneth and Harold Deterling, to make and donate about 50 masks a week, being paid just for materials. “She asked me…

OMC Smokehouse, Corktown to Open; Merge into ‘OMC Express and Deli’

New business style hopes to bring back 20-25% of the 200 laid off employees.

April 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- People missing the smoked meat and sandwiches in Lincoln Park are in luck. OMC Express and Deli will open Wednesday, as the result of merging OMC Smokehouse and Corktown Deli and Brews. Both businesses have been closed through the pandemic. According to owner Tom Hanson, the operation should put 20-25% of the 200 employees laid off back to…

Pandemic Forces Wedding Planners to Adjust as Couples Wait to Tie the Knot

Both planners and couples are navigating new territory of rescheduling the big day.

April 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On a warm, sunny April day, many scenic outdoor spots in the Northland are normally packed with a bride, groom, and large crowd, gathered to witness the marriage. But just like other events, weddings now have to be drastically changed due to COVID-19. “This is definitely not something you imagine, you know?” said bride-to-be, Meghan Hagedon. “You plan…

Sutherland CBD, Dr. Juice Offer Hand Sanitizer, Donate Hundreds to First Responders

The pair are are selling bottles at cost for $3, all sales going back into production.

April 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Sutherland CBD and Dr. Juice USA, both on Tower Avenue, are now offering handmade hand sanitizer. And hundreds of bottles of their product are going to first responders in need. “In these difficult times everybody’s got to do their part to stop the spread of this thing, to stay safe,” said Jacob Tout, CEO of Dr. Juice USA….

Over 33 Thousand Minnesota Small Businesses Approved for Forgivable Loans

Sen. Tina Smith says more work has to be done to address the funding shortage for loans.

April 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA, As stimulus checks begin rolling out, additional help through forgivable loans have been awarded to over 33,819 Minnesota small businesses as of Monday. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) grants loans to small businesses as part of the Stimulus Package. The loans are forgivable to businesses who retain or rehire their workers. Senator Tina Smith (D), who helped pass the…

Wisconsin Campgrounds Face Uncertainty During Pandemic

Campgrounds in rural areas can be packed with people from cities trying to social distance

April 14, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

WASCOTT, Wis. – People are trying to get out of cities as much as possible during the pandemic. That means campgrounds in rural areas can be packed. While the owners appreciate the business, they tell us it’s up to campers to act responsibly and maintain social distance. Rick Maas, owner of Up North Resort in Wascott, tells us there are…

Babbitt Mayor Reacts to Northshore Mining Going Idle

April 14, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

BABBITT, Minn. – Cleveland-Cliffs has announced Northshore Mining will shut down by the end of the month, leaving 470 workers without a job. Idiling the facility will have a big economic impact on the city of Babbitt, where the mine is located. The mayor of the small city of around 1,500 people says the mine shutting down will impact all…

Free Masks Bring Long Line to Vikre Distillery

Lake Superior Medical Equipment and Duluth Screen Printing team up to make 175 masks to distribute at Vikre.

April 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Center for Disease Control has updated its recommendations, advising people to wear masks while out in public. Now Vikre Distillery is partnering with local businesses to distribute free cloth masks to Northlanders, along with hand sanitizer. “Keeps us busy while we’re closed, and feels really nice to be able to help the community that way,” said Doug…

Relief Funds Set Up For 3 Grand Marais Businesses Destroyed By Fire

April 14, 2020

Dan Hanger,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Relief funds have been set up to support three downtown Grand Marais businesses destroyed by fire Monday. One account is set up at Grand Marais State Bank, PO Box 100, 55604. Any contributions sent to “Fire Relief Fund” will be evenly distributed to the three businesses – Crooked Spoon Café, White Pine North and Picnic &…

Utility Providers Including Minnesota Power Suspend Disconnections, Late Fees

Citizens Utility Board and Minnesota Power Urge Customers to Call to arrange payment plan.

April 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- People struggling to keep up with heat, water, or electric bills due to the Coronavirus pandemic may find some relief from many utility providers. The Citizens Utility Board, a non-profit representing energy customers in Minnesota, is urging Minnesotans to contact their utility providers like Minnesota Power to work out a payment plan to avoid being disconnected. Many providers…

Cleveland-Cliffs To Idle Northshore Mining; 470 Employees Affected

The Northshore Mining Plant employees 570, only 100 remain employed.

April 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SILVER BAY, Minn.- Cleveland-Cliffs has announced it is idling two of its iron ore plants, including Northshore Mining in Silver Bay, which will be shutting down by the middle of this month. This will affect roughly 470 employees, a significant number for a city like Silver Bay with a population of only 1,800. Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves said they’ve evaluated…

Grand Marais Community Reacts to Losing Three Businesses to One Fire

April 13, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — Fueled by strong winds, a Monday afternoon fire ripped away three businesses from Grand Marais, ones run by local families that are friends to many in the area. “We know these people, we know their families, we know their kids,” Grand Marais resident Kati Stieler said. “White Pine North had just switched owners. It was a new…

Facebook Gift Card Raffle Raises $20K for Superior Local Businesses So Far

Councilors Brent Fennessey and Craig Sutherland started the closed group two weeks ago.

April 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis,- Like the rest of the Northland, normally busy streets and storefonts in Superior are bare as local businesses cope with being partially or completely shut down. Two Superior City Councilors decided to raise money for them, by raffling gift cards on Facebook. Weeks later, the small boost they hoped to give businesses is turning into a big help….

OMC Smokehouse Opens Back Up For Online Pre-Orders

On the first day open, the restaurant received 200 online orders.

April 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Amid the many local restaurants forced to close under Governor Tim Walz’s Executive Order, OMC Smokehouse in Lincoln Park decided to get cooking again, doing takeout in an unconventional way for them. The restaurant opened up to online pre-orders only on Saturday, with food prepped and ready 5-10 mins before scheduled pickup. “I’ve been doing this 40 years,…

Small Town Restaurants Work Hard to Stay Open During Pandemic

Soft Pines Resort and Buckhorn Bar and Grill among Northern Wisconsin restaurants and bars struggling during shutdown

April 8, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Restaurants and bars across Minnesota and Wisconsin are struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 shutdown. Businesses in small towns have been hard particularly hard by the pandemic, with at least half of some restaurants’ normal business gone. The owners are doing what they can to keep the establishments open, but it’s a struggle with…

Pandemic Forces Duluth News Tribune’s Parent Company To Make Cuts

April 8, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — During a time when so many people are turning to television and newspapers for the latest on this historic pandemic, media companies are experiencing a drastic loss of advertising revenue from businesses facing their own uncertainties. And the Duluth News Tribune’s parent company – Forum Communications Co. out of Fargo, North Dakota — is one of those…

Local Liquor Stores Taking Extreme Measures to Keep Customers Social Distancing, Avoid Closing

If customers crowd liquor stores as time goes on, they could be forced to close.

April 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

Many people stuck at home in both Minnesota and Wisconsin are heading to liquor stores. But when those stores become crowded, business owners have to choose between serving customers, an following the law of public health by maintaining social distance. One sign in front of Shanty Bottle Shop in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood says it best: “Do not rush into the…

Senior Assisted Living Facility Looking for Workers During Pandemic

April 7, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

If you’re looking for a temporary or permanent job, New Perspective Senior Living is hiring at its multiple facilities in Superior, Cloquet, and Barnum. There are 20 job openings for caregivers, cooks, housekeepers, servers, and concierges. The business also bumped up hourly wages by $2 more per hour for hazard pay, which New Perspective calls ‘hero pay.’ “We have seen…

Phase 3 of Superior Street Reconstruction Starts Monday; Section of Phase 2 Delayed Longer

April 5, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The final phase of the Superior Street reconstruction project begins on Monday, April 6, and it includes the busy intersection of Lake Avenue to 3rd Avenue West. Signs will be posted through the project area, and barricades will be in place beginning Monday morning. 3rd Ave. East to 4th Ave. East delayed until Spring of 2021 because…

‘Associated Builders and Contractors’ Calls Out City of Duluth for Losing Costco Development

April 2, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Costco no longer plans to build a long-awaited store in Duluth. The company was planning to build near the intersection of Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road. The real estate agent working on the project said Costco had issues with the city’s Project Labor Agreement (PLA) as well as with rising costs associated with the project. The…

Whole Foods Co-Op Implements “Safe Shopping” Protocols

April 2, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – With many local businesses closing, Whole Foods Co-op has remained opened during the Covid-19 pandemic and staff are practicing safe ways to shop. Plexiglass shields have been installed to enforce social distancing. Signs, and red tape on the floor also indicate no standing zones which is essential for safety of all shoppers. There are a couple other…

Less Driving, Demand for Gas Causes Prices to Fall

Prices across Minnesota and Wisconsin drop below $2.

April 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Gas prices across the Northland have dropped below $2 as demand for gasoline falls, as drivers get out less while stay-at-home orders are in place. One of the cheapest places for gas right now is Kimmes Oil in Superior. It was $1.49 a gallon Wednesday for Regular Unleaded. One customer normally spends $100 filling his truck, but only…

Fond du Lac Band Says Casino Employees Would Be Laid Off First

April 1, 2020

Dan Hanger,

CARLTON, Co. – The Fond du Lac Band is trying to avoid layoffs of its employees as its two casinos sit dark with zero cash flow. The tribe’s secretary treasurer, Ferdinand Martineau, addressed the financial concerns in a Facebook video Wednesday. He said leadership is discussing when and who could be laid off if the governor’s closure order lasts longer…

Amid Decline in Business, PacKare Duluth Continues to Bring Pets Daily Joy

PacKare Duluth Experiences a More Than 50 Percent Decline in Business During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 1, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – One thing you’re still allowed to do under a ‘Stay at Home’ order is get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with social distancing in mind. Many animals in the Northland are getting more walks than normal during this difficult time. One local pet care business is considered essential to stay open, but the owner is seeing…

Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe Fully Closes Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

March 31, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of the popular At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe in Duluth says she’s fully closing her restaurant until further notice. In a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page Tuesday, owner Carla Blumberg said take-out and delivery is no longer an option. She said cost and logistics “overwhelmed us.” Sara’s Table is just one of dozens…

Wal-Mart To Take Employees’ Temperatures Before Shifts

The company will also supply masks and gloves for employees.

March 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Businesses that have been deemed essential are trying to find the balance between protecting its workers while staying open for customers. Wal-Mart announced it’s going to start taking employees’ temperatures at stores and warehouses everyday before their shifts start. Any employee with a temperature over 100 degrees will be sent home. Wal-mart will supply face masks and gloves…

Duluth ‘State of the City’ Address Cancelled, No Rescheduled Date Set

March 31, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was supposed to have her State of the City address on Monday night at the West Theatre. In a Facebook post last week, Mayor Larson cancelled the event in an effort to adhere to new guidelines of social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. The city is now focussing on providing resources for businesses…

Customers Buy Up Fridges, Kitchen Appliances at Appliance Stores

Daugherty Appliance sees increase in customers.

March 30, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- As more people are staying at home, some appliance stores have seen more customers. Owners of Daugherty Appliances in Cloquet said their fridges and freezers have been selling like hotcakes as people look for more storage to stock up more food. They also add that more people have been buying full kitchen suites to update their kitchen. The…

Knowing Your Neighbors: U-Roast-Em

March 30, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – U-Roast-Em sells more than forty kinds of green coffee beans sourced from growers and suppliers around the world. The company ships them to customers who roast their own coffee. “Once you’ve tried fresh roasted coffee, you will never go back to store bought again,” explained U-Roast-Em co-owner Jane Russo. Russo and her husband bought the business…

Essentia Health Placing 500 Employees on ‘Special Administrative Leave’

March 30, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Monday a plan to reduce non-medical staffing levels by 500 employees next week as the company prepares for a surge of COVID-19 patients in the communities it serves. The employees affected are not involved in direct patient care, according to hospital officials. “These plans include redeploying our workforce to best position Essentia Health to…

Schwan’s Home Delivery Sees Rise In Frozen Food Orders

March 29, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ESKO, Minn. – Schwan’s Home Delivery has been swamped with orders due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Minnesota-based company has a depot in Esko, and their drivers are seeing a rise in customers wanting frozen foods delivered. Schwan’s management says their employees are even limiting interactions with customers by doing simple drop-offs right at their doors. “And that’s a change…

B&B Market Donates Groceries to People in Need

March 27, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – It all started on Tuesday when a State Farm employee in Cloquet donated one-hundred pounds of ground beef to the local B&B market. “And the ball just started rolling. We’ve had just people come in and donating,” B&B Market Owner, John Lind says. After the market posted a push for donations on Facebook, hundreds of dollars worth…

Minong Grocery Store Owner Talks Wild Demand, Price Gouging, Summer Tourism Concerns

Owner Rob Henson believes snowbirds, cabin owners have all flocked to the area months earlier than usual because of the coronavirus outbreak

March 27, 2020

Dan Hanger, Marcus Asmus,

MINONG, Wis. – Small-town grocery stores are getting slammed with unusual demand amid the coronavirus outbreak. And for one grocery owner in Minong, there’s a fear there won’t be enough inventory out there to be stocked up for summer tourism season — a time that carries many small businesses through the slow winter months. “I don’t think anybody is prepared…

Cloquet Businesses Prepare For “Stay-at-Home” Order

March 26, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Gordy’s Hi-Hat, a popular restaurant in the Northland still plans on being open during the order all while celebrating their 60th year. The owners, Gordy and Marilyn, are currently healthy and quarantining down in Florida. Although an opening date isn’t set in stone, Gordy’s is expected to welcome curbside customers in early April. With forty percent of…

Pine Knot News Receives Journalism Grant

March 26, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Amid the Covid-19 crisis some small essential businesses, like newspapers, remain operational and one local publication has received a big grant. On Wednesday, the Facebook Journalism Project announced that several media outlets will receive money to help them cover the news while reporting on the coronavirus. The Pine Knot News, a locally owned publication out of Cloquet…

Superior Restaurant Offering Bulk Grocery Delivery

KD's restaurant has switched their business model during the coronavirus shutdown

March 25, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Restaurants everywhere have switched their business over to carry-out and delivery. Now, one Superior business is delivering grocery products to its customers. KD’s Restaurant has seen a big decline in business since dining is no longer allowed. Now, they’re selling and delivering customers the bulk products they get directly from suppliers. The owner tells us the new…

Wisconsin Price-Gouging Complaint Form

March 25, 2020

Dan Hanger

Minnesota Price-Gouging Complaint Form

March 25, 2020

Dan Hanger

Essential Businesses Currently Hiring in the Northland During the Pandemic

March 25, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

Many workers in the Northland have been laid off from jobs due to the response to the coronavirus pandemic. If you are currently looking for work, there are businesses still hiring in our region. If you are a business looking to hire workers during the coronavirus pandemic and would like to be added to this list, email news@fox21online.com with the…

SuperOne Helps Social Distancing with New Plastic Barriers at Check-Out

Barriers installed at all 41 stores across three states, at over 270 stations.

March 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As SuperOne grocery stores across the Northland remain packed with people shopping for essentials, the store has installed acrylic barriers at cashier stations to limit the spread of Coronavirus. At the end of Tuesday, the new barriers were outfitted at all 41 grocery and liquor store locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Products scan and carts screech by…

Virus Outbreak Halts Damaged Husky Refinery Rebuilding

March 24, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) – Husky Energy has suspended rebuilding its oil refinery in Superior that was damaged by an explosion two years ago because of the coronavirus outbreak. A spokeswoman for the Alberta, Canada-based company said Tuesday that Husky has “begun a systematic and orderly suspension of major construction activities related to the Superior rebuild project.” The fire and explosion…

As Coronavirus Impacts Grocery Stores, Duluth City Councilors Postpone Plastic Bag Fee

March 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Councilors took action Monday to help ease extra anxiety on grocery store workers during the COVID-19 outbreak by postponing the implementation of the 5-cent plastic bag fee. Councilors voted unanimously to wait until January of 2021 to enforce the new law that will charge customers 5 cents for each plastic bag used. Councilor Barb Russ was absent…

U-Haul Rental Services Busy as College Students Head Home

With online classes and nowhere to go, students head home.

March 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With colleges and universities across the Northland moving all classes online for the rest of the year and asking students to leave dorms, many are heading to their nearest U-Hauls to pack up and head home. The only truck that Complete Auto Repair Service (CARS) has left is a cardboard model that sits on their front desk. Their…

Gov. Walz Issues Executive Order to Create Small Business Emergency Loan Program

March 23, 2020

Site Staff,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a series of executive orders Monday to help curb COVID-19’s spread through the state and mitigate its effects on the economy. One of those orders authorized the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to create a small business emergency loan program for those who have…

St. Louis County Board Approves Transfer of Emergency Administration Funds

March 23, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board approved multiple measures on Monday to help combat the spread of coronavirus. This includes a resolution that will transfer $1 million from the emergency administration fund to support efforts to fight the spread of the virus. The money will allow government organizations to have cash on hand in case of emergencies. It…

Pizza Man Renovates While Only Allowed Open for Takeout, Delivery

Restaurant owner trying to keep as many employees as he can while closed by the Governor with other bars and restaurants.

March 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A popular Pizza place in Superior is making the most of having to close their business to dine-in customers. Pizza Man on Tower Avenue is using their time closed to remodel their dining area, allowing for more seating. The owner said some of his employees are helping out with the renovations, and he’s trying his best to keep…

Superior Family Restaurant Receives Donations to Continue Giving Free Meals

Enbridge and an anonymous donor both gave to their cause.

March 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Family Restaurant, who started offering free meals to those in need last week, just received some help form other community organizations. Enbridge has paid for 300 meals to be given out. The Restaurant also received a $100 donation from an anonymous donor. In a Facebook post the Restaurant said the donations will help ensure they are able…

Superior Liquor, Grocery Stores Busy as Other Businesses Remain Closed

Belknap Liquor and Lounge and Super One seeing a steady influx of customers.

March 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Wisconsin has just gone through their first weekend with bars, restaurants and other public gathering places closed indefinitely by Governor Tony Evers. This pushes more customers to businesses considered essential, such as grocery and liquor stores. “We can’t complain here, yeah,” said Belknap Liquor and Lounge owner Alan Jaques. “There’s a lot of other people that have it…

Business

Sweet Exchange delivery is going contactless with orders of cakes and cupcakes, along with a free handmade mask.

The sewing and alterations business is selling masks for $6, the only business they are getting right now with proms and weddings cancelled.

New business style hopes to bring back 20-25% of the 200 laid off employees.

Both planners and couples are navigating new territory of rescheduling the big day.

The pair are are selling bottles at cost for $3, all sales going back into production.

Sen. Tina Smith says more work has to be done to address the funding shortage for loans.

Campgrounds in rural areas can be packed with people from cities trying to social distance

Lake Superior Medical Equipment and Duluth Screen Printing team up to make 175 masks to distribute at Vikre.

Citizens Utility Board and Minnesota Power Urge Customers to Call to arrange payment plan.

The Northshore Mining Plant employees 570, only 100 remain employed.

Councilors Brent Fennessey and Craig Sutherland started the closed group two weeks ago.

On the first day open, the restaurant received 200 online orders.

Soft Pines Resort and Buckhorn Bar and Grill among Northern Wisconsin restaurants and bars struggling during shutdown

If customers crowd liquor stores as time goes on, they could be forced to close.

Prices across Minnesota and Wisconsin drop below $2.

PacKare Duluth Experiences a More Than 50 Percent Decline in Business During COVID-19 Pandemic

The company will also supply masks and gloves for employees.

Daugherty Appliance sees increase in customers.

Owner Rob Henson believes snowbirds, cabin owners have all flocked to the area months earlier than usual because of the coronavirus outbreak

KD's restaurant has switched their business model during the coronavirus shutdown

Games Then and Now in Superior sees increase in sale, but hope that continues as they move completely online.

Barriers installed at all 41 stores across three states, at over 270 stations.

With online classes and nowhere to go, students head home.

Restaurant owner trying to keep as many employees as he can while closed by the Governor with other bars and restaurants.

Enbridge and an anonymous donor both gave to their cause.

Belknap Liquor and Lounge and Super One seeing a steady influx of customers.