April 22, 2018

I’m hopeful that while there’s snow on the ground as I write this, by the time you read it maybe it will be melted.

This is not going to be the most thought-provoking column you’ve ever read from me, but I was struck this week by how many new – and frankly, fun – things to do are ahead for us as a community once the weather warms up.

So with apologies to anyone I’m sure I’ll forget, here’s my list of 10 reasons I’m excited for businesses this spring.

10. Jones421 marketplace

I had a great time visiting the latest businesses to open at Jones421 last week, and I’m sure you will too. There will be more coming. And once it’s warm enough, visitors can enjoy everything from gelato to Cajun cuisine in a shared outdoor courtyard. Don’t miss the grand opening April 28.

European-inspired businesses open in downtown Jones421 marketplace

9. Urban Chislic

I’m not even a big chislic fan, but I’m still looking forward to seeing what Urban Chislic will bring to the area of 85th and Minnesota when it opens this summer. It’s fun to see a new, local concept get started. And, as someone who lives not too far away, I’m looking forward to a more convenient Aldi opening soon at that intersection too.

8. Lake Lorraine openings

Speaking of shopping, this will be the first warm weather season we can enjoy walking around at Lake Lorraine. Kirkland’s is opening soon, bringing more home decor options for shoppers, and Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop will bring a nice new dining option later this year too.

7. JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars

We do some work with JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars, so I’ve had a firsthand view of how cool their new location off of West 57th Street is going to be. Opening likely in late June, we’ll be able to enjoy outdoor beverages, baked goods and special events this summer.

6. Downtown newcomers

There are some great new businesses downtown that have opened in cooler weather and will start to benefit even more from this spring’s pedestrian traffic. It was fun to see the “garage doors” at Blarney Stone open recently, bringing an outdoor dining feel inside.

And if you haven’t tried Myer’s Deli & More yet in The Carpenter Building, stop by. It’s open starting at 6:30 a.m. and has a great breakfast — and Sunday brunch — outstanding sandwiches at lunch and really nice dinner entrees Thursday through Saturday. Plus, we’ve got more downtown openings coming this summer, including the new Lewis Drug, expanded PAve, and others I can’t even mention yet.

5. Food trucks return

I still think we have lots of room to grow our food truck scene, but we’re getting there. My co-worker, Rosemary McCoy, is wrapping up a huge guide to food trucks this year detailing who’s starting, who’s no longer operating and what special events are coming. Watch for that this week. And make sure you support these hyper-local small businesses this spring and summer!

Love food trucks? Here’s your complete guide to the 2018 season

 

4. The Empire Mall activity

It’s going to be interesting to keep an eye on the area in and around The Empire Mall this spring and summer. There’s a lot of activity brewing, and I don’t think it will be long before we can share some new business announcements. It could make for a fun spring and summer of news there! Plus, the newly started Younkers liquidation sale gives a good excuse to visit if you haven’t lately.

3. Parlour Ice Cream House

Opening May 3, this ice cream shop is going to be different from any other option in town. I had a chance to look inside this week, and owners Chris and Caryn Hanmer have done an amazing job putting this concept together. If you’ve ever tasted his work at CH Patisserie, you have an inkling of what’s to come at Parlour. Outstanding products, great setting at Washington Square and the ideal warm-weather stop. I’m hopeful we’ll have more new dining options to share there this season too.

Parlour Ice Cream House nears opening as Washington Square gains more interest

2. Turks & Caicos Cabana Grille

We enjoy working with the team at Vanguard Hospitality to help promote their restaurants, and I think you’re going to love this newest one. We started a little series last week called Creating Cabana Grille to take you behind the scenes as the former Bracco is transformed. I’ve had a chance to see some of the early signature menu items, and they’re outstanding. Opening in May, this place – and its patio – will be packed.

1. Shopping local

Spring and summer are wonderful times to support local business owners, whether you’re getting the yard ready for the season or refreshing your wardrobe. Please do that, as this continues to be a bit of a challenging year for retailers. We’re excited to give you a couple of opportunities to shop local, beginning May 4 at our 605 Made Spring Market, downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls.

Click here to learn more. And here’s hoping we’ve finally left winter behind!

605 Made announces Spring Market