Heights Bakery closing
Heights Bakery, 4925 Central Ave. NE, a Columbia Heights business founded in 1953, will be closing its doors on August 1. In a statement shared to social media, the owners wrote: “Running a small business is a special kind of challenge, and like any business, while there are good days and bad days, good months and bad months, a bakery is a particular type of physical challenge. After spending their entire working lives on their feet, working overnights, dozing through family holidays, working through their own birthdays, and missing important parts of life, it is time for Dave and Debbie to retire and rest.”
Bakery obtains extended hours
Mrs. Dessert and Kumpir, 339 22nd Ave. NE, a Turkish-style bakery with locations in Uptown Minneapolis and Northeast Minneapolis, recently applied for an Extended Hours of Operation license.
“We built a strong and respectful relationship with our community,” a company representative said. “We’ve seen increasing demand from customers who want a same and welcoming spot for customers for late-night food and desserts, especially on the weekends. We’ve committed to being good neighbors, keeping the area clean and quiet, ensuring safety and order, and continuing to operate responsibly as we have since opening. We believe this license will not only support our business but also add value to the neighborhood by adding family-friendly options late into the evening.”
Michael Rainville, Ward 3 representative, expressed concerns about “late-night safety,” citing reports of gunshots from the area.
“There has been violence out of that location,” Rainville said, “and the neighbors don’t want violence.” He asked if Mrs. Dessert and Kumpir is planning to have a security guard posted after business hours. A company representative confirmed they are planning on doing so. “We wouldn’t live here if we didn’t feel welcome in the neighborhood,” he said.
Ultimately, Mrs. Dessert and Kumpir was granted extended hours.
The Chase Bank at the Quarry Shopping Center team as well as members of the St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce joined Branch Manager Edison Bautista in a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the location. Chase has been operating there since May 20. (Vince Brown)
Chase Bank grand opening
Chase Bank, 1710A New Brighton Blvd., 612-656-1773 or chase.com, held a grand opening on July 16. The full-service branch offers consumer, business and financial services including commercial and home lending. Their mission is to “help customers reach their goals,” says Market Director-Banking Gabriel Morales. A location at Central Avenue NE and 51st Avenue NE is scheduled to open in September.
Northeast taproom closed
BŪCH, a Northeast Minneapolis taproom specializing in kombucha, closed on July 17. In a statement posted to Instagram, they wrote: “After two amazing years, our taproom will be closing. … This decision wasn’t easy, and we’re incredibly grateful for every person who has walked through our doors, shared a drink, and supported our small team. Thank you for being part of our journey.”
Renovations to begin at SACA food shelf
The Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA) Food Shelf is set to expand at a new location at 3905 California St. NE in Columbia Heights. Following an influx of cash via federal and state grant funds, the new Food Shelf building “will have about three times the amount of space” of their current location, according to a statement. Renovations began mid-July; they are estimated to take about ten months to complete. They will continue to operate out of their current location at 627 38th Ave NE during the renovation.
Lorna Tjaden, a resident at Valora Senior Living of St. Anthony, 2540 Kenzie Terrace, cut the ribbon for the building’s grand reopening as a crowd of residents, employees, and St. Anthony dignitaries looked on. (Vince Brown)
Valora Senior Living grand reopening
Valora Senior Living of St. Anthony, 2540 Kenzie Terrace, held a grand reopening of the former Legends of St. Anthony senior living building on July 17. Lifespark provides health services at the building, while Vincent Companies will manage the building itself. Information at 612-843-3700 or valoraofstanthony.com.