Former Blue Ox has new owners, new plan and new purpose.
Ed Shaw and Sarah Hayden Shaw purchased the former bar and are in the early stages of fixing it up. Plans are to renovate the buildings and create a fine dining restaurant in a historic setting. Ed Shaw said his wife Sarah is taking the lead in the renovation effort and was looking for a historic building. They were attracted to the building by its historic structure and good bones. They are restoring the original tin ceiling and original brick work. Expectations are for a summer opening. No decision has been made on a name for the restaurant yet. Shaw said the Blue Ox has been closed since 2014.
The building includes two upstairs apartments.
Other new owners of buildings in downtown Brainerd are also restoring buildings to reveal the history of exposed brick and tin ceilings. And there are multiple eating options now in downtown as well, including the recently opened 612 Station Bar and Grill.
Ed Shaw said he hopes they can can be part of a long overdue turnaround in downtown Brainerd as he said he sees a potential for the area and hope it comes to fruition.
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"It's got a long way to go," Shaw said, adding he sees positive signs. "I hope it pans out and I hope it gets going in that direction."
The Burritos California Mexican Grill is now open next to Erbert and Gerbert's in Brainerd, just off Washington Street.
Feedback from customers has been positive with more than one describing it as a better version of Chipotle's style of dining. Customers are able to go through the line and choose what they want to include in their burrito or bowl.
Work is continuing on the site in Baxter where Dick's Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, PetSmart and ULTA Beauty are going up. Wayzata-based HJ Development is behind the 90,000-square-foot retail center being constructed on 8.87 acres between Costco and J.C. Penney Co. Construction should be completed in 2017 with Dick's Sporting Goods in the spring of 2018.
It feels like spring in more than one way. Temperatures should be pushing toward 50 degrees this weekend and the Dairy Queen is open for the season on Washington Street in Brainerd.
BTR Outdoors, which stands for bait, tackle, rental, opened in January in Crosslake. The business owned by Jeremy Hultman offers a bait shop, hunting and fishing gear, as well as outdoor recreational equipment, guide services and boat detailing, the Echo Journal of Pequot Lakes reported.
Crosslake Laundromat opened this winter next to Ace Hardware. The facility has 11 washers and 15 dryers, the Echo Journal reported. The owners are also offering an optional laundry service. Owners are Dan and Betty Soller, who also own the Ace Hardware.
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