Interviewed by Ross Dahlin, Integra Realty Resources Feature: CityView MSCA Connection December 09 msca-online.com Minnesota Shopping Center Association Vol 23. No 12 Connection 1 Mayor Ardell Brede, Rochester Location: I-35 and County Rd 70 (West of I-35) Month/Year Opened: Listed Summer 2009 Owner: Lakeville Land, Ltd Managing Agent (Land Listing): Jonathan Adam, Silverstone Realty & Development, LLC (952) 856-6231 Architect: Architectural Consortium LLC Engineer: MFRA GLA: 50+ acres of commercial land Site Uses Available: Gas/C-Store, Big-Box Retail, Restaurant, Grocery, Retail, Hotel, Bank Anchor Tenants: Muller Family Theatres 21, Harry’s Restaurant, Tollefson Office Center Market Area Served: Lakeville and surrounding cities Additional Facts/Narrative: The Lakeville Commerce Center is a mixed-use development with various opportunities available. Several parcels of land are available with frontage on I-35, County Rd 70, and Keokuk Avenue. In 2009, the I-35 & County Rd 70 Interchange was reconstructed to accommodate today’s traffic needs. This site has great access and visibility, which makes it the premier development in the area. December 2009 In this Issue Lakeville Comm Ctr -- SNAPSHOT 1 Holiday 2009 -- HOT SPOTS / COLD SNAPS 3 STARRSM Awards --- COMMITTEE CHAT 4 Sailor/Anderson -- MEMBER PROFILES 5 Retail Report ------- PROGRAM RECAP 6 Pizza Lucé ------------ RISING STAR 7 Below is another article in our series, CityView, a periodic column featuring interviews with city leaders from around the region, exploring real estate development and other issues in their areas. MSCA: The University of MN-Rochester (UMR) is expected to announce the site of its permanent campus early next year near downtown and the Mayo Clinic. How will the growth of the University impact downtown’s retail development? Mayor Brede: UMR will be a growing presence in downtown Rochester. Students will bring a new dimension to the marketplace for shopping, dining and entertainment. The first evidence of that is the announcement of a new sports bar that will open next spring. For existing merchants, in addition to being potential customers, those students are also a potential source of part-time employees. MSCA: The City of Rochester recently purchased the KTTC- TV office building with plans for redevelopment into a mixed-use “urban village.” Is there a lead developer involved in the project at this point? Is there a preliminary timeline? Mayor Brede: We were working with a Twin Cities developer prior to the downturn in the housing market. That project fell through. Our current focus is to assemble a site that will be ready to build on when the market recovers. We want to coordinate our downtown housing efforts with the UMR location decision. We won’t actively pursue a project until we have a better feel for the permanent campus location. MSCA: In your last state of the city address you spoke of plans for the expansion of the National Volleyball Center and the Mayo Civic Center. Are these plans still on track? Mayor Brede: In 2008 we received $3.5 million from the Legislature for the design of the Snapshot Lakeville Commerce Center
Transcript
Interviewed by Ross Dahlin, Integra Realty ResourcesFeature: CityView
MSCA Connection December 09msca-online.com
Minnesota Shopping Center AssociationVol 23. No 12
Connection
1
Mayor Ardell Brede, Rochester
Location: I-35 and County Rd 70 (West of I-35) Month/Year Opened: Listed Summer 2009Owner: Lakeville Land, LtdManaging Agent (Land Listing): Jonathan Adam, SilverstoneRealty & Development, LLC (952) 856-6231Architect: Architectural Consortium LLCEngineer: MFRAGLA: 50+ acres of commercial landSite Uses Available: Gas/C-Store, Big-Box Retail, Restaurant,Grocery, Retail, Hotel, BankAnchor Tenants: Muller Family Theatres 21, Harry’s Restaurant,Tollefson Office CenterMarket Area Served: Lakeville and surrounding citiesAdditional Facts/Narrative: The Lakeville Commerce Center is amixed-use development with various opportunities available.Several parcels of land are available with frontage on I-35,County Rd 70, and Keokuk Avenue. In 2009, the I-35 & County Rd70 Interchange was reconstructed to accommodate today’straffic needs. This site has great access and visibility, which makesit the premier development in the area.
December 2009
In this Issue
Lakeville Comm Ctr -- SNAPSHOT 1Holiday 2009 -- HOT SPOTS / COLD SNAPS 3STARRSM Awards --- COMMITTEE CHAT 4Sailor/Anderson -- MEMBER PROFILES 5Retail Report ------- PROGRAM RECAP 6Pizza Lucé ------------ RISING STAR 7
Below is another article in our series, CityView, a periodiccolumn featuring interviews with city leaders from aroundthe region, exploring real estate development and otherissues in their areas.
MSCA: The University of MN-Rochester (UMR) is expected toannounce the site of its permanent campus early next yearnear downtown and the Mayo Clinic. How will the growth ofthe University impact downtown’s retail development?
Mayor Brede: UMR will be a growing presence in downtownRochester. Students will bring a new dimension to themarketplace for shopping, dining andentertainment. The first evidence of that isthe announcement of a new sports bar thatwill open next spring. For existing merchants,in addition to being potential customers,those students are also a potential source ofpart-time employees.
MSCA: The City of Rochester recently purchased the KTTC-TV office building with plans for redevelopment into amixed-use “urban village.” Is there a lead developerinvolved in the project at this point? Is there a preliminarytimeline? Mayor Brede: We were working with a Twin Cities developerprior to the downturn in the housing market. That project fellthrough. Our current focus is to assemble a site that will beready to build on when the market recovers. We want tocoordinate our downtown housing efforts with the UMRlocation decision. We won’t actively pursue a project until
we have a better feel for the permanentcampus location.
MSCA: In your last state of the city addressyou spoke of plans for the expansion of theNational Volleyball Center and the MayoCivic Center. Are these plans still on track? Mayor Brede: In 2008 we received $3.5 millionfrom the Legislature for the design of the
Snapshot
Lakeville Commerce
Center
2009 Sponsors
ACI Asphalt Contracts, Inc.American Engineering Testing, Inc.Aspen Waste Systems, Inc.Bremer Bank, N.A.Brookfield PropertiesCB Richard EllisCSM Corporation Chesapeake Companies Chuck & Don’s Pet Food OutletClassic Asphalt Sealcoating Co., Inc.Coldwell Banker Commercial
Griffin CompaniesCuningham Group Architecture, P.A.Cushman & Wakefield of
Minnesota, Inc.Dick’s Sanitation, Inc.Dougherty Funding LLCEmmes Realty Services LLCExeter Realty CompanyFaegre & Benson LLPFendler Patterson Construction, Inc.Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.Gray Plant MootyGreat Clips, Inc.H.J. Development, Inc.Inland Real Estate CorporationJE Dunn ConstructionJones Lang LaSalle/Rosedale CenterKKE Architects, Inc.Kraus-Anderson CompaniesLarkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd.The Lawn Ranger, Inc.Leonard, Street and DeinardM & I BankMcCombs Frank Roos AssociatesMesserli & Kramer P.A.Mid-America Real Estate –
Minnesota LLCMidwest Maintenance &
Mechanical, Inc.Minneapolis/St. Paul Business JournalMinnesota Real Estate JournalNAI WelshNorthMarqOlsson AssociatesOppidan, Inc.Opus Northwest LLCPark Midwest Commercial Real
EstatePaster EnterprisesRJ Marco Construction Inc.RLK IncorporatedRSM McGladrey, Inc.Reliable Property ServicesReliance Development Company,
LLPRobert Muir CompanyRobins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.PRyan Companies US, Inc.Solomon Real Estate Group Inc.Stewart Title Guaranty CompanySunde Land Surveying, LLCTCF Bank Target CorporationU.S. BankUnited PropertiesVenture Mortgage CorporationWells Fargo Bank, N.A.Westwood Professional Services, Inc.Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A.
MSCA Connection December 09 msca-online.com
Civic Center expansion project.Work on the plans andspecifications are wellunderway. The total cost of theproject is estimated atapproximately $75 million. Wewill be going back to theLegislature next year forbonding funds to cover 50% ofthat amount. The City’s sharewould be paid from a 1% increase in thehotel/motel tax and a 1% food andbeverage tax. Our hope is to have theproject under construction next summer.We have not been as fortunate in securingfunding for the Volleyball Center. Thisproject is supported by the City but is beingproposed in 2010 to the Legislature by theMinnesota Amateur Sports Commission.
MSCA: We all know theeconomic downturn hascaused real estatedevelopment in generalto come to a halt. Arethere any specific retailprojects that have notgone forward due to therecession? Mayor Brede: We hadseveral mixed-use projectsthat were in theconceptual stage whenthe downturn occurred. Those projectsappear to be on an indefinite hold. There ismovement as mentioned with the newsports bar. Student housing for UMR lookspromising. Just opened is a new HamptonInn and another hotel is being proposed.
MSCA: In what areas of the City would youlike to see additional retail development inthe future? Mayor Brede: We are looking for balancedgrowth. I am particularly interested in infilldevelopment projects that serveestablished neighborhoods and takeadvantage of underutilized sites that arealready fully served by City infrastructure. I would like to see downtown continue todevelop as a center for high qualitydistinctive stores with a local flavor.
MSCA: How has the City’s relationship beenwith the developers of the Elk RunBioscience development in nearby PineIsland? Do you know of any businesseslooking at building facilities at the site? Mayor Brede: We have had very little directcontact with the Elk Run developers. I wishthem well – projects that benefit the regionwill ultimately benefit the City of Rochesterand the entire area. It should be noted thatthe City of Rochester is in the process of
marketing and filling theMinnesota Bio Business Center inDowntown Rochester. We areworking with a number ofcompanies and are looking formore. Mayo Clinic’s Office ofIntellectual Properties is a maintenant in this building.
MSCA: A recent study indicatesrouting a Twin Cities-to-Chicago
high speed rail line through Rochesterwhich will provide greater economic returnthan the original route along the MississippiRiver. Do you think the political supportexists to bring this route to reality? Mayor Brede: If decisions are driven bydata I believe that will be compellingenough to influence the decision. The State
should make its decisionbased on the best long-term/multigenerationaldecision.
MSCA: You recentlyreturned from China to visitRochester’s sister city,Xianyang. How was thetrip and whatbusiness/trade benefits doyou foresee between thetwo cities? Mayor Brede: The trip was
fantastic and very educational. In everycity from Beijing to Shanghai to Hong Kongwe were treated with great respect andunderstood that as a people they arestrongly influenced by the teachings ofConfucius: “Peace and Harmony.” OurPartner (Sister) City literally rolled out the redcarpet for us. As it had been 16 years sincethe last (and only) official visit to Xianyang,the people, city staff and others were mostgracious hosts.
Our visits to a couple of schools werehighlights, with a strong interest in theirdesire to further their education in the USA,specifically Rochester and the University ofMinnesota Rochester. Xianyang would alsolike to establish a recruiting office in theircity for the University of Minnesota. Onecurrently exists in Beijing.
Industrial discussion included a sharing ofgeothermal, medical devices andpharmaceutical products. While businesstrade benefits are more “potential,” Ibelieve the ongoing relationship centers onour cultural and people exchanges andgreater mutual understanding. Whilebenefits may be somewhat intangible thetrip can only be summarized as anoverwhelming success.
CityView - continued
2
“I AM PARTICULARLY
INTERESTED IN
INFILL
DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS...”
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HOLIDAY
SHOPPING
by Lisa L. Diehl, Diehl and Partners, LLCHot Spots / Cold Snaps
Retailers are about to embark on theholiday season of the serious bargainhunter. According to the National
Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2009 HolidayConsumer Intentions and Actions Survey,conducted by BIGresearch, U.S. consumersplan to spend an average of $682.74 onholiday-related shopping, a 3.2% drop fromlast year’s $705.01.
The NRF is projecting holiday retail sales todecline 1% this year to $437.6 billion. Whilethis number falls significantly below the ten-year average of 3.39% annualholiday-season growth, the decline is notexpected to be as dramatic as last year’s3.4% drop in holiday retail sales nor assevere as the 3.0% decline in annual retail-industry sales expected for all of 2009. Theanticipated $4 billion in holiday seasonalshopping sales is the slowest growth rate todate, according to a Forrester ResearchInc. study released in mid-October.
Though some hopeful signs of a recoveryhave begun to emerge, like better-than-expected sales in August and momentumin the stock market, continued consumeruncertainty over job security and housingvalues will take a toll on spending thisholiday season. And, as retailers becomeeven more promotional, certain popularholiday categories like apparel andelectronics may experience deflation dueto aggressive sales pricing.
Not surprisingly, the majority of holidayshoppers (70.1%) will purchase fromdiscounters. Grocery stores (45.0%), theInternet (42.4%), clothing stores (33.8%) andelectronics stores (31.8%) will also bepopular destinations. In addition, one in ten
holiday shoppers (11.4%) will buy gifts orother holiday-related merchandise at thriftstores or resale shops.
Buying holiday gifts online will save time onthe road and in the store. Many retail storeswith Web site sales, like Target, Wal-Mart,Best Buy, Circuit City, etc., are offeringdeep discounts online. Free shipping is acommon practice with some productspurchased through Amazon.com, Apple,Macy’s and others.
“Americans will focus primarily on practicalgifts and shop on a budget this holidayseason,” said NRF Chief Economist RosalindWells. A toy price war continues again thisyear. Look for the Nintendo Wii to bepopular not only for the kids, but also forthe young at heart. Along with practicalgifts, Barbie will make another debut thisyear, along with Star Wars toys.
Retailers and shopping centers are takingsteps to control crowds grabbing for BlackFriday bargains, in anticipation of a markedincrease in shoppers this year. Thesemeasures follow last year’s Black Fridayincident in which a worker was trampled todeath at a Wal-Mart in Valley Stream, NewYork.
Wal-Mart says it will try to spread outshopper flow by keeping most of its storesopen on Thanksgiving Day, instead ofclosing them and then opening in the earlyhours of Friday, as in the past.
Look for the best bargains closer toChristmas as retailers cut back in inventory. Sources: Chicago Tribune, NRF, ICSC SCTWeek, EntertainmentMagazine
Featured
Sponsors
Exeter Realty CompanyCreate and operate in-townprojects that are positiveadditions to the existingurban environment.
McCombs Frank RoosAssociatesMcComb Frank Roos’ corevision is to assist its clients inachieving their developmentobjectives throughestablishing and buildinglasting collaborativerelationships.
Olsson AssociatesWhen you take it down tothe basics, our work at OlssonAssociates is so elemental.Land. Water. Air. Life. Everyproject we take on touchesone of those fundamentals ofour lives on this earth. That’sthe sort of thing we takeseriously.
RSM McGladrey, Inc.We are focused onbecoming the recognizedglobal leader in enhancingthe business performance ofmid-market companies.
TCF Bank To provide customers withinnovative products throughmultiple banking channels,with a focus on conveniencein banking.
The Year of
the Bargain
Hunter2009
Bookmark: Give a Gift of Reading
Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs andHam, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks). Random House Books, Hardcover September 2009
The 20th-Century Children’s Book Treasury: Picture Books and Stories to Read Aloud(Hardcover). Knopf Books for Young Readers, September 1998
Artemis Fowl Boxed Set. Hyperion Book CH. Paperback October 2008
Black Stallion Adventure Set. Yearling. Paperback October 2005
It is the holiday season andthis year, instead of noisyvideo games or DVD’s, buyyour kids some good readsto keep them occupiedthis winter.
Some great holidaybundles are now available.
For age ranges 9-12
For age ranges 4-8
Happy
Holidays
from the
MSCA Staff!
This year’s STARRSM Awards committee has had another fun and productiveseason through some unpredictable and challenging times. As with any group,new members continue to be the source of inspiration and great new ideas.Our 14 committee members helped to expand and refine our awardcategories, as well as started to look forward in what will appear to be anotherchallenging year ahead.
This year we had 31 entries for nomination in the various categories. A prettyimpressive total all things considered. Our judges were selected from a widerange of disciplines, and enjoyed a fun filled and packed day of touring all thevarious entries. It is always enjoyable to see first hand all of our MSCAmembers’ accomplishments.
This year’s STARRSM Awards event, once again held at the Golden ValleyCountry Club, is a favorite event of most MSCA members as it provided anopportunity to socialize and recognize our peers for all of their hard work andefforts throughout the year.
� � Global Collections at 211 N. First Street, Minneapolis, presents artand home décor made by artisans in villages around the world with
proceeds benefiting the Smile Network, a local nonprofit.
� � A fifth Twin Cities Hot Mama store opened in November atRosedale Plaza, featuring women’s maternity clothing andaccessories. Its current Edina location re-opened in an expandedspace.
� � The Foursome has a brand new location at Highway 55and Vicksburg Lane in Plymouth.
� � An original fish and chip restaurant is open on 13th Avenuein Northeast Minneapolis. The Anchor Fish & Chips featuresan eight-dollar menu.
� � Smashburger is open in St. Anthony, Roseville, Plymouth,and Golden Valley. Eagan and Woodbury are reportedlycoming in Spring 2010.
� � Bar la Grassa is open in the Minneapolis North Loop andfeatures a pasta bar and restaurant. It also offers local Izzy’s ice
cream for dessert.
� � Piccolo is reported to be opening at 43rd and Bryant justafter the first of the year.
� � A new St. Paul store, BlackBlue, located on Selby Avenue,opened recently with a selection of men’s clothing and footwear.
� � Lynn’s Cake & Candy Supplies moved to Holly Center.
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Press Releases
Press releases are printed based upon availability of space and relevance to the local market.
Co-Chairs: Steve Johnson, Solomon Real EstateGroup and Steve Young, Arbor Commercial Group
Primary Career Focus: Retail real estate management, leasing, brokerage and investment salesEducation: Music Education – U.W. Eau Claire Family: Wife, Becky and three daughters in college – Michelle, Coreena and RachelHobbies: Horses, snowmobiling, bow hunting and anything with the familyDream Job: Talk radio show hostSecret Talent: I can do some impressions and voices when not promptedFavorite Book: All Vince Flynn booksFavorite Quote: “Son, there ain’t no draft no more” - StripesMentors: First and foremost, my DadFavorite Place Traveled: The Black Hills; we go there often with our horsesMSCA Involvement: Corporate Sponsor since inception, Past President, past board member,past Caring Tree board member, Winter Fun Event sponsor, past program committeemember, technology committee member and 2008 Hall of Fame winner
Primary Career Focus: Sales – Commercial Real Estate Title ServicesFamily: Wife, Melissa; Noah (12), Sophia (9), Tessa (6)Hobbies: Golf, running, music, Gopher Football Booster, youth sports (shuttle service and coach)Very First Job: Warehouse work Connco Shoe StoresDream Job: Touring golf professionalFavorite Food: Anything my wife cooks (amazing)Favorite Book: Just read The Shack and my all time is The GodfatherFavorite Movie: CaddyshackFavorite Quote: “Be the Ball”Favorite Place Traveled: Hawaii or Napa ValleyMSCA Involvement: Program Committee
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Brent AndersonStewart Title – National Title Services
Doug SailorMid-America Real Estate, MN. LLC*
Member Profiles
New Members
Jean SchlemmerJean Schlemmer Inc.
Web Sites
It seems like every Monday morning we find little presents that the surrounding neighborhoodshave deposited in our construction dumpsters. Some of them are relatively harmless, but thehalf empty paint cans, varnish and other materials constitute hazardous waste and requirespecial handling.
Your first step should be to go to: http://www.pca.state.mn/waste/index.html and apply for aVery Small Quantity Generators ID number. This will allow your waste provider to accept thematerial.
www.earth911.com: find recycling centers, learn how to start your recycling program.
www.veoliaenvironmental.net: discusses hazmat removal of both residential and commercial hazardous waste.
*FormerlyPark Midwest
Technology Tip: Renew Online!
As we approach the end of 2009 you will be receiving your renewal notice for yourMSCA dues for 2010. This year you will be able to renew your dues online by simplylogging into your account at www.msca-online.com, click on the members link in theupper right corner of the screen, login with your ID or email and password. Oncelogged into the member portion of the website, click on the profile link in the upperright corner. The last option on the page is to renew your membership. While you arethere be sure to add or edit your bio, add or edit your client representation, updateyour picture, or update your member profile.
If you have any questions you can always contact the Technology Committee Chair:Jim Mayland at [email protected] or (612) 347-9311.
The 2009 State of Retail Real Estate Report program on November 4 was divided intothree parts – 1) a general overview of the lender and investor psyche and how it affectsthe capital markets, 2) the owner / developer perspective and 3) the retailer / broker
perspective.
Eric Bjelland from NorthMarq was chargedwith reviewing the overall psyche of thelender and investor. He utilized severalquotes from himself and others to summarizethe economy from the NASDAQ height of5500 in 1999 to our current state of affairs:“Irrational Exuberance,” “IrrationalPessimism,” “Catch a Falling Knife,” “HopeTicket,” “Extend and Pretend” and “Delayand Pray.”
There have been efforts to improve theeconomy with the stimulus program, but in reality not a lot of money has been spent. Thefinancial accounting rules have changed from “mark to market” to “mark to model” orterm. Banks are wary of lending and demand personal guarantees. They are utilizing newtactics such as extending loans and utilizing new fee structures to create profits, forexample “a loan that rolls, grows no loss.” Life company lenders have become veryselective, want perfect deals, low loan-to-value ratios and big spreads. In the equitymarkets, the only active investors in 2009 have been the entrepreneurs. The only activeplayers in the market tend to be equity capital investment advisors, REITS andentrepreneurs. Nationally, the actual amount of deals in the first six months of 2009 totalsonly $16.4 billion vs. $132 billion in 2008 and $443 billion in 2007. The forecast is that CMBStransactions will come back in a different form. Expect fee-driven Wall Street to “Re-REMIC”bad CMBS traunches, few distressed sales and money being allocated to stabilized deals.
Drew Johnson of RJM Construction spoke from an owner or development perspective –with optimism still reigning from over 3.5 million sf of retail development advertised onMNCAR. Currently the market is dominated by negative absorption, a decrease in sales,
November
Professional
Showcase
Finance & Commerce
Finance and Commerceis the only dailynewspaper exclusivelycovering local business.Readers receive businessnews and actionabledata in every issue,including the details ofreal estate transactions,foreclosures, creditactions, new businessfilings, construction bids,and much more. Theirreaders use thisinformation to track theircompetitors, find salesleads, and capitalize oninvestment opportunities.
For a free trial, call (612) 584-1565.
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by Natina James, KKE Architects, Inc.Program Recap
2009 State of Retail
Real Estate Report
November Speakers (l to r):Peter Berrie, Faegre & Benson LLP - moderatorDrew Johnson, RJM ConstructionSuzie Rettinger, Coldwell Banker Commercial Griffin CompaniesJohn Johannson, NAI WelshEric Bjelland, NorthMarq
and an increase in retailer bankruptcy. The recent fallout has delivered some lessons to the developer:
1. Be wary of the small shop proforma trap (watered-down cap rate anchor ratio decrease); small shops are hard to leaseand expensive to build, avoid the “over-build” stigma.
2. Cycle will be back; developers will forget as the Met Council projects the area will add another one million people by 2020.
There are three types of properties: “The good, the bad and the ugly”:
� The good – credit tenant, shop not overbuilt, time tested, and value has decreased 35-45%.� The bad – newer development with vacancy in third-ring markets, weak demographics, junior-box exposure, and
correct reposition if not sunk by refinance.� The ugly – unanchored with vacancy, soft goods retailer with co-tenancy clause, bank owned, and built on “irrational
exuberance.”
John Johannson of NAI Welsh discussed the facts, hopes and trends from the retailer / broker perspective. As for the currentmarket, there are no deals to recall, the last being over 18 months ago. He asks if the landlord will be able to carry the costsfrom the economic crisis to get to market value again. The current retail property will be inventory for how many years? Thelast new development, West End, is opening at 65% occupancy. There are some bright points after many retailers havedownsized or been forced out of the market. The surviving retailers should be stronger such as Best Buy and Bed Bath andBeyond. Property types on the market – too much big box, tenants are moving up from c-b and b-a, they are paying lowerrents, regional malls are uncertain who is the next anchor, lifestyle centers could be a big change for landlord’s lifestyle. Thereare new deal terms coming: co-tenancy is history, kick outs will occur less frequently, there will be more sharing of cost, andrenewals will see rents falling or flat exchange for adding lease term. He forecasts that new development will be costprohibitive based on “market rents” and land costs and that inflation is coming. John questioned if this recession will changean entire generation’s habits. Will our children learn to shop? The upper Midwest has trailed the rest of the country during theentire recession. Is our recovery coming? We are experiencing things that other regions experienced last year. The good newsis that historically retail and food service sales have never fallen. We have even experienced a .08% rate of growth in 2009.
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by Richard Jahnke, Paster Enterprisesrising star
Pizza Lucé opened a new St. Paul location on SelbyAvenue near Lexington to expand its 2,500 sf urbanpizza joint/neighborhood bar concept to a total of five
locations. The servers and cooks are hip looking and sportpiercings and tattoos but they are very enthusiastic aboutworking at an establishment that celebrates eclecticdiversity. Pizza Lucé employs 350+ people at their fivelocations. They consider the staff to be their greatest asset.
According to JJ Haywood,CEO, her uncle foundedthe flagship location at theepicenter of Minneapolis´historic Warehouse District,which began as a humbleslice counter back in 1993.This trendy restaurant hassince expanded; it’s acrowded, noisy bar sceneon weekends and a low-key, pizza joint during the week. Pizza Lucé in Uptown onLyndale and 32nd Street is a favorite with theneighborhood’s young, savvy singles. This spot provides arelaxing spot to enjoy a beer and pizza, as well as greatpeople watching.
Lots of places do brunch, but Lucé does pesto eggsbenedict that are drooling with pesto hollandaise sauce.They also have brie-stuffed French toast plus an amazingbloody mary bar. You can stuff as many carrots, cheesesticks, olives, pickles, etc. as will fit in your pint glass of bloodymary while you sit back and watch the football game.
Over the years, they’ve earned rave reviews from localmedia and food critics and have been honored bypublications such as City Pages, Duluth Ripsaw News,Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, Minnesota Monthly,Minnesota Women’s Press, and City Search, earning multipleawards for “Best Pizza” “Best Late Night” and “Best Delivery.”
Sure, you can get an ordinary pepperoni or sausage pie,but with the menu’s variety of 50 toppings including bakedpotato pizza and pizza Florentine, why would you? Lucéalso specializes in vegetarian and vegan pizza for theherbivore crowd.
www.pizzaluce.com
Pizza Lucé is Urban Cool
8120 Penn Avenue South, Suite 464, Bloomington, MN 55431
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