Distinguished Duluth 2022

DISTINGUISHED

CELEBRATING INNOVATIONS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CORNERSTONES IN BUSINESS

Pipe dream becomes Dream Cloud Coffee Roasters

By Tony Bennett

Life has a real way of

doling out a right when you’re anticipating a left. One day, you think you’re on a particular path, and the next, you’re wildly off-course, unmoored, scrambling. The other side of that coin is that life can just as easily plop you down in a place that is surprisingly more suited to you than the previous one.

This sort of chaos is what the universe seems to do best, but it’s what’s resulted in a brand-new coffee shop in downtown Duluth. Dream Cloud Coffee Roasters is run by Charlie and Emily Comnick, a married couple from the area who didn’t expect to be where they are right now only a short while ago, but they can’t believe their luck.

“For the past 10 years,” Charlie said, “I worked at Duluth Coffee Company. I came on board right when they opened and helped manage and grow that company, until last year.”

This is the part where the universe gets involved. Charlie was let go from the job he had worked at for a decade, and, suddenly, his future was cloudy. But he wasn’t short on determination.

“I said I would roast coffee there for my whole life,” Charlie said, “and, when I was surprised with being let go, I decided that I would continue to pursue roasting coffee for the rest of my life.”

Emily, who had worked for the last decade in

photography, explained the pair decided pretty quickly that they should strike out on their own, together.

“I think we wanted to develop something that was a little different from a lot of places,” she said of the couples’ initial conversations.

“We wanted it to be more than just a coffee shop — we wanted a space that would be inspiring for people and filled with creativity, where Charlie could really use his sense of craft.”

“We’ve always talked about having a cafe,” Emily said, “like, whenever we’d be traveling and stuff — but that was always just kind of a pipe dream, I guess. We never thought it would actually be a reality. But once we knew we were going to have the space we’re currently in, we both really took it and ran with it.”

That space — the former home of Jitters and Lake Superior Bakehouse — helped form the Comnicks’ plans. After an early plan to do a coffee truck was jettisoned, the availability of the location they landed in helped cement their plans.

“It already had a roasting vent,” Charlie said, “and it was already commercially certified.”

Not that the project has been easy — the two did a lot of aesthetic changes and deep cleaning and other prep before their opening in May. So far, it’s been a positive experience, Emily said.

“It’s been great. We’ve

had great feedback on the coffee, but the space itself has been something that people really enjoy seeing. Everybody’s been really kind and warm and welcoming.”

Dream Cloud offers six different coffees that are roasted in-house, and they also offer specialtygrade loose-leaf tea.

“We have some of the best coffee and tea in the world available for purchase here,” Charlie said.

The future may bring other options as well.

“We’re in talks about possibly adding in a bakery at some point,”

Emily said. “But right now we just want to focus on the coffee and the tea.”

“For me,” Charlie said of his business, “It’s kind of something I never imagined doing and having, but I feel very fortunate. When something very surprising and traumatic happens, to have a beautiful space that’s inclusive for everyone, and to be sharing that work with my lovely wife less than a year (later), it feels amazing, and kind of like a dream, oddly enough.”

Photos by Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram

It’s kind of something I never imagined doing and having, but I feel very fortunate.

- CHARLIE COMNICK

Grandma’s marathoN

1977

First Race

1981

Dick Beardsley record

Lorraine Moller wins three straight women’s races

1983

7000 entrants fill the race in 5 days

Rudy Perpich saves the day

Tent Blew into Lake Superior Tradition of giving flowers to first female finisher starts

1984 1986 1988 1990

5 years after breaking her neck, Jane Welzel is the women’s winner

Women’s USA Marathon Championships

Prize money starts

Half Marathon starts

5K Starts

Information and photos provided by Zach Schneider / Grandma’s Marathon

Chris Raabe & Mary Akor (2 American winners, first time since ’94)

Kara Goucher breaks half marathon course record

Scaroni sets world wheelchair record (uncertified)

Elisha Barno wins four straight men’s races

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

Famous photographer Ansel Adams once said that “There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”

Adams, who is known for his outstanding black-and-white landscape images of the American West, knew that the best

photography always has the viewer first in mind. Great images do so much more than simply mark moments in time. They elicit emotions, rekindle memories, tell stories and transport the viewer into the world as seen by the photographer.

The collaboration between photographer and viewer is special, oftentimes magical. We hope you enjoy these photos. They are some of our favorites from the past year.

- Rick Lubbers,

Editor

Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune

Minnesota Duluth goaltender Ryan Fanti (39) is introduced before the UMD hockey game against Miami on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune

Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the Duluth International Airport.

Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune

Janaki Fisher-Merritt uses a curling rock fashioned out of a rutabaga while curling Duluth. Food Farm sponsored the event in conjunction with signing members up for their community supported agriculture shares.

Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune through the ship canal on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in Duluth. “Despite winter’s of spring and always of the prosperity these great ships help deliver to our region,”

Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune

University of Minnesota Duluth forward Naomi Rogge (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal during the Women’s Frozen Pennsylvania.

Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune lesson to Tim Rubin of Duluth

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in his studio in Lincoln Park.

Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune

Evening sunlight illuminates stained glass windows during a listening session of Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune

Get out and play!

SUMMER ACTIVITIES ABOUND FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

By Andrea Busche

After an unusual, socially-distanced couple of years, many Northland kids (and plenty of grown-ups!) are itching to get out and enjoy everything the summer of 2022 has to offer.

Maybe your kiddo is a bookworm, or has an affinity for animals. Or, perhaps they enjoy movies, music, games, or sports. No matter their interests (or your budget), there is a summer activity suited for everyone.

Looking for ideas? We can help!

Reading

The Duluth Public Library, with three convenient locations, has plenty of activities planned for the summer of 2022. Their free Summer Reading Program, which runs from June 1 to Aug. 31, is suited for all ages — from parents who want to read to their infants, on through to kids, teens, and even adults. Participants can earn prizes (free books) through this fun program. The library also has plenty of other activities

scheduled throughout the summer, including outdoor story time, visits from the Lake Superior Zoomobile, food trucks, and more. Many of these activities are free of charge.

Additionally, free Minnesota state park permits can be checked out (with a valid library card) for seven-day periods, through June 30, 2022.

To learn more, visit duluthlibrary.evanced. info/signup/calendar, or call 218-730-4200 (the main library campus).

Summer Camps

A variety of youth camps are available this summer through the Lake Superior Zoo, Great Lakes Aquarium, and Duluth Parks & Recreation Department.

Lake Superior Zoo summer day camps provide a fun and safe setting where youth can make friends — of both the human and animal variety. Each camp features animal encounters, hands-on activities, crafts, and games, all of which focus on inspiring children to care about wildlife, conservation,

and the natural world. Options are available for ages 4-17. For more information, contact Sarah Wilcox: swilcox@lszoo.org, 218-730-4500 ext. 214, or lszooduluth.org/programs-camps/zoo-summer-camps/.

The Duluth Parks & Recreation Department also offers summer day camps for youth aged 6-14. Themes include Nature Detectives, Make a Mess Camp, Friday Fun, Archery Camp, Fishing Camp, Curling Camp, Pickleball Camp, and

more. Visit duluthmn. gov/media/12775/parksand-rec-2022-summerday-camp-flyer.pdf to learn more.

Duluth’s Great Lakes Aquarium offers summer camps, too — from pre-K through 12th grade. These camps meet on-site at the Aquarium, and utilize the Aquarium exhibits, grounds, and community parks to learn about our natural world. Visit glaquarium.org/ education/for-families/ camp/ to learn more.

Music

The Chester Creek Concert Series is returning in 2022! This free, 10-week concert series features a wide variety of live music, including Born Too Late, Windjammers, and more. Local food trucks will also be on-site. The concerts are held Tuesday evenings throughout the summer at Duluth’s Chester Park, 1801 E. Skyline Parkway. Concert goers are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. To learn more, visit chesterbowl.org/uncategorized/ chester-creek-concertseries-2022/

Movies

The Greater Downtown Council is pleased to present free, familyfriendly outdoor movies, shown every Friday night at sunset throughout the summer, beginning July 8. The movies are brought to life on a giant outdoor screen at Duluth’s Leif Erikson Park (1301 London Road) overlooking the shores of Lake Superior. This year’s lineup features popular films Sing 2, Beethoven, and more.

To learn more, visit downtownduluth.com/ movies-in-the-park/. Get out and Play

No matter your child’s interests, there is a summer activity sure to keep them busy and entertained this summer. As a bonus, plenty of the above activities provide fun for the entire family — and many of them are free.

After a tough couple of years, let’s make the summer of 2022 our best summer yet!

DWIGHT SWANSTROM COMPANY 2022 INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY OF THE YEAR

Dwight Swanstrom Company was recently awarded “2022 Minnesota Independent Insurance Agency of the Year” by the Minnesota Independent Insurance Association at their annual Expo in Prior Lake on May 16, 2022.

The winner of this award is nominated and selected by the various insurance companies who partner with the Association.

Our service has set us apart since 1889 - find out why. Reach out to our experienced, local team for a free and convenient quote on your home, auto, business, or life insurance.

Andrew Bauer, Matt Bauer, Greg Brisky

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

Clint Austin / caustin@duluthnews.com

Bob King / Duluth News Tribune