tastes like memories
The Parker House in Mendota, Minnesota, opened in the late 1930s as a bar and gambling hall, attracting soldiers from nearby Fort Snelling. After jazz pianist William “Red” Dougherty took over in 1943, he replaced gambling with live music, featuring renowned musicians. The venue became known for fine dining and entertainment but closed in 1993. Linda Young and Charlie Burrows later opened Axel’s River Grille at the site, continuing its legacy. Axel’s found success but closed in 2024.
About Dayton’s Sky Room Location:Minneapolis, Minnesota Status:Permanently closed Dates active:1947-2017 The Dayton’s building in downtown Minneapolis was built in 1902 and initially housed Goodfellow’s Department Store. In 1903, George Draper Dayton opened Dayton’s Dry Goods Company in the space. Fast forward to 1947 when it was common for department stores […]
About WA Frost and Company Location:Saint Paul, Minnesota Status:Open Dates active:1975-present When the Dakotah Building was constructed on the corner of Selby and Western in Saint Paul, it was one of the most fashionable buildings in the city. The Hennessey brothers built the building in 1889 with commercial space on […]
The story of Donaldson’s department store began with two brothers from Scotland, William and Lawrence S. Donaldson. Before leaving their mark on the Twin Cities, the Donaldsons worked as salesmen across the United States. Eventually, both found their way to Minneapolis, where they established a retail empire spanning decades.
While other breweries were going out of business, Gluek’s survived Prohibition by making near-beer and soft drinks. But after 107 years in business, the Gluek Brewing Company closed in 1964, and their core brands of beer were discontinued. At the time, Gluek’s was Minneapolis’ oldest continuously operated business in the city.
Throughout its history, Lakewinds Co-op has leveraged its strong relationships with local farmers, growers, and producers to provide its members with the freshest, most natural food available in the state. Lakewinds consistently prioritizes local growers and producers to ensure they offer the best products in the retail grocery market.
Frank Lee opened Lee’s Village Inn on Cleveland Avenue and Ford Parkway in the Highland Village area of Saint Paul in 1944. Guests often waited in lines that stretched outside just to sit at one of the dining room’s wooden tables and enjoy pot roast, roasted chicken, extra large popovers, chocolate cream pie, and other traditional dinner favorites.
Apple’s Restaurant opened in 1990 along Town Centre Drive in Eagan, Minnesota. Patricia “Pat” Boland owned and operated the restaurant after the death of her husband, Jack. The restaurant closed in 1998.
About the Lowell Inn Location:Stillwater, Minnesota Status:Open Dates active:1927-present Would there be a Lowell Inn in Stillwater without Nelle Palmer? Likely not. She became the face and personality of the inn, saw it through the Great Depression and World War II, and took it upon herself to provide the best […]