Carlton County businesses open, expand, change hands

CLOQUET — The end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 brought several changes to local businesses in Carlton County.

A few new businesses opened their doors, while a few longtime businesses were purchased by new owners. Some decided to expand, either in space or in their offerings.

Know of a business we missed? Let us know by emailing news@pinejournal.com.

Dot & Anne

Sisters Jill Gaffke and Jess Lindvall opened the boutique from Gaffke’s home in Esko in December 2020.

The boutique offers women’s clothing and accessories.

Their sales are mainly online, but they offer in-person shopping by appointment, according to the Dot & Anne website.

CreativEdge Designs gets artsy

The Carlton marketing company first hosted art classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owner Jessie Waldorf said the classes were a way to use extra space in the office and put her and assistant Katie Bottlia’s skills to use.

Some of the sessions — like the clay gnome class — were so popular that Waldorf had to add sessions to meet demand.

Curves comes to Cloquet

About a decade after the city’s previous Curves gym closed, Janelle Coleman opened one of her own.

The gym features a structured 30-minute workout, or circuit, where participants spend 30 seconds at each station. The circuit includes 11 machines, with a mat in between each machine. While on the mats, participants take part in a cardio exercise of their choosing.

Northern Lights Community Action aims to fill void

The thrift and consignment store opened in the former Wood City Lights and Hardware storefront to fill a need after the city’s Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores closed. Items in the store range in price from 25 cents to $20 and include clothes for all ages, some furniture, kitchen supplies, toys and more, said owner Heather Wright.

High Ropes Minnesota opens

Swiftwater Adventures owners Cliff Langley and Brian Pfeifer saved for years to open a ropes course and they made that dream a reality in June 2021. High Ropes Minnesota offers five poles, two levels and 12 different challenges for climbers to negotiate.

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Bearaboo stretches out

Bearaboo Coffee Escape expanded its footprint over the summer, converting the self-serve car wash into additional dining and kitchen space. Owners Chris and Natalie Swanson said they decided to add the extra space as dining rooms opened for full capacity after being limited because of COVID-19.

More room in the kitchen would also give staff more space to work.

B&B Market is sold

John and Kim Lind announced in September 2021 that they sold B&B Market to longtime employee Jake Richardson.

The Linds purchased the business in 1988 from Kim’s parents, Gary and Dorothy Huard.

They added a catering business and a food truck over the years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they gave back to the community through the viral food train and by hosting food distribution events.

Richardson worked for the Linds for nearly a decade before he purchased the business, and said he plans to continue B&B Market’s tradition of giving back to the community. He also hopes to be able to grow and expand the business the way the Linds did.

Pedro’s finds a new home

The popular Cloquet restaurant moved to a new location at 7 Eighth St., Cloquet, in October.

Owner Erika Aranda purchased the building, after renting space previously. The space features a brand-new bar and two spacious areas with table and booth seating, as well as patio seating.

Vintage store opens in West End

Jean Farleigh said she has always enjoyed searching for vintage treasures and decided to take the next step to open a storefront dedicated to them in October 2021.

‘Ant’cetera Art & More has an ever-changing inventory that depends on what Farleigh finds. She also hopes to sell up-cycled items she makes.

New owner takes helm at Burger’s Shoes

Fifty-four years to the day Ludwig Burger opened his shoe store in Cloquet, Carmen LaPlant formally took ownership of the business.

LaPlant, a longtime employee of Burger’s Shoes, seemed like the right person for Maria Leyrer, Ludwig Burger’s daughter, to hand the baton. “It’s been all part of the bigger picture of making this legacy go forward,” said Leyrer. “It was really important for me and my family for sure, and the community. I mean what would we do without a shoe store?”

Alex Comstock / Comstock Creative / Special to the Pine Journal

Erika Aranda, owner of Pedro’s Grill & Cantina, is seen outside the restaurant’s new Cloquet location recently. They celebrated the restaurant’s grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021.