Welcome Starbucks and Pizza Hut

October 12th was opening day for Target in Waconia and, as exciting as that was, the treat of seeing a Starbucks and Pizza Hut Express inside was even better!

I guess I hadn’t really thought to much about the mini stores that come with Target.  Sure Target has groceries, a pharmacy, clinic, photo department and a little food court, but they usually come with a few big named brands too built in.

To me, I can’t see this harming local business to much.  Pizza Hut doesn’t offer delivery or make pizzas that feed a family.  It’s all individual sized pizzas and even a few breakfast items.

Starbucks doesn’t have a drive through and probably doesn’t even open until 8am.  However, it does offer that overpriced coffee for those that crave it.

I’m just really excited for the Pizza Hut Express.  Mmmmmm

How about you?

3 Waconia Business’ Close

It seem that more than a few business in Waconia are having trouble staying open. Beef O Bradys, Quiznos and the Marathon gas station have all closed!

I first noticed this as we went to Beef O Bradys for dinner. On the door was a sign that said closed. It also said something about coming back with new ownership but not sure if it’ll be the same or a new restaurant.

Quiznos seemed quiet too and we noticed a sign on their door that said closed. For how long though is unknown. Maybe it’s not permanent?

Then today I noticed that the Marathon/Oasis Market gas station was also closed!

That’s three bigger business in a short period of time. Lets hope it’s not a trend.

Whole Hog Heaven BBQ

When you stop to think about it, Waconia actually does have quite a few places to eat.  Now, you can add another to the list; Whole Hog Heaven BBQ.

whole hog heaven

The ribs and more restaurant opened across from Kwik Trip a few months ago.  It has limited indoor seating but makes everything available for carryout too.

We finally tried it out the other night and the service was fast, food was excellent and restaurant was quite nice.

If you’d like to check out their menu, it’s all online at:
http://www.wholehogheaven.com/menu.htm

Have you been?  What did you think?  Two thumbs up here!

Call ahead: 952-442-TO GO (952-442-8646)
Visit: 712 Vista Blvd Across from Kwik Trip
On the Web: http://www.wholehogheaven.com/

New Public Works Facility Open House

On Saturday April 19th from 12-3pm the new Public Works facility will have an open house.  You’ll get to see the new facility, meet the people and understand what they really do.  There will even be snow plows, dump trucks and other big kid equipment for big and small kids to check out.

Food and beverages will be provided too.  So why not come and check it out?

New Public Works Facility Open House
Saturday April 19th from 12-3pm

V.I.P. Pet Boarding and Day Care

Need someplace to take care of your pet when you are out of town? V.I.P. Pet Boarding and Day Care is here to help you out.

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They have a large, 7200 square foot building, building off of highway 5 behind Mr. Movies and next to Holiday. And they are more than willing to give free tours during business hours.

I haven’t been there myself, but will be keeping it in mind as we have a cat that needs medication twice a day. If we can’t find family to take care of him when we go on vacation, it’ll be nice to know we have a second choice.

V.I.P. Pet Boarding and Day Care
200 Highway 5 West
Waconia, MN 55387
952.442.5155
www.vippetboarding.com

Walgreens To Open in 2008

Walgreens LogoIf you’ve driven down highway 5, you can’t miss the construction of the new Walgreen store. It’s located on the corner of 284 and Hwy 5 and has been making quite a few advancements over the past few months.

The new Walgreens store won’t be open anytime soon, but at the rate they build business’ these days, a late spring or summer opening shouldn’t be that hard to meet.

RadioShack comes to town.

RadioShack LogoWaconia will soon have someplace to go for cutting edge electronic needs. RadioShack is moving in across fro Kwik Trip in the same strip mall as Legacy Liquors.

I’m not usually a big fan of RadioShack but it’ll be a nice addition. We currently don’t have anyplace to go regarding VOIP, iPod accessories, HD TV/radios, cellphones or computer accessories. I think RadioShack will fill a nice void for our town.

RadioShack
M & M Electronics
712 Vista Dr
Waconia, MN 55387
Phone: (952) 467-1911
Opening date: Unknown

Z’s Christmas Tree Farm

Have you been out to Z’s yet to get your Christmas tree? We have!

Christmas Tree FarmActually, this is only my second real Christmas tree ever and the first time I’ve ever gone to cut one. We went out on Saturday morning in the cold and snow. For newbies, Z’s was a great choice. They were friendly and told us how it’d work. We then hoped on a wagon to go out and find a tree.

Now I wasn’t to sure about cutting my own, but the saws they provided cut through that tree like a hot knife though butter. They then put it on the wagon and back to the main farm.

We were also a bit concerned about fitting it in my little Ford Focus. However, they hauled it to my car and put it in and bungeed down my trunk. They did all the work for us and we were quite impressed.

Trees are $40 for long needle, $60 for short. I don’t know how that compares as I’ve never been out to cut my own tree before, but it was the experience we paid for. And a good experience at that.

Z’s Trees also has precut Christmas trees, wreaths & roping, landscape evergreens, fireplace wood and custom log sawing.

Z’s Trees is technically in Cologne but it’s really just outside Waconia on 284. Between Highway 5 and 212.

Z’s Trees – John M Zimmerman
10850 110th Street
Cologne, MN 55322
952.466.2577
www.zstrees.com

Lobster Shack will replace Nancy’s Landing

Thanks to JP, I found out that Nancy’s Landing closed. It was the fanciest place in town that I knew of and was a shock to me when I heard.

Their last day was September 29 and the new owners are already working on getting the Lobster Shack up and running. The new-england style restaurant will be an interesting addition to Waconia. I’m not a big seafood fan, but I’m already very intrigued with the idea of the Lobster Shack.

If you know more details, please do share. 🙂

Target, AmericInn, Kwik Trip and Walgreens Updates

The name brands are coming.

Kwik Trip is up and running and I’ve been there several times. Not only are the gas pumps fast, but the store has lots of goodies inside and the car wash even made a point to wash my rims.

Target should have a groundbreaking yet this fall. The 145,000 square foot store should open in October of 2008.

AmericInn is almost done too. It could be complete this October but not sure when the opening date may be.

And Walgreens may be coming to town. The city is going to review plans for a store at the intersection of 284 and 5. Personally I don’t think that’s a good location with the intersection being so busy, but something going to pop-up eventually.

Have you heard any news or rumors you’d like to share?