Best of 2026
Photo: Chris Emeott
Corcoran
From Maple Grove and Plymouth to the west metro and beyond, Saint Therese of Corcoran is closer than many families realize.
Set on 13 beautiful acres, our community blends modern apartment living with compassionate, personalized support. Assisted Living is designed for those who want help with daily tasks while maintaining privacy, independence, and a full life.
Care is tailored to individual needs and available day and night, so residents feel confident, comfortable, and truly at home.
Stop in during Walk-In Wednesdays to tour the community, explore available apartments, and talk with our team about what the right level of support could look like.
Walk-In Wednesdays at Saint Therese of Corcoran. No appointment necessary.
FROM THE EDITOR
Around late March, my partner gets a particular gleam in his eye. Sailing season is fast approaching. (And by fast approaching, I mean the boat goes into the water on May 1. Fast is often a relative term in the context of sailing.) He’s spent the winter dreaming up new projects and hunting down obscure solutions to last year’s persistent problems. His enthusiasm is infectious, and by the time you’re reading this, we’ll have had our first overnight trip on Lake Superior for the year. On this trip I’ll be able to indulge in my own niche hobby: rock hunting.
My lifelong interest in agates was informed by an early introduction to Duluth’s beaches and summers spent combing the shore at my family’s cabin on the St. Croix River. Recent sailing trips across Lake Superior have expanded my collection to include Michigan fossils and geode-studded basalt.
I’ve found that one of the most interesting conversations you can have with someone is about their hobbies, which is why I found Alexandra Tostrud’s story about speed puzzler Heather Mueller so compelling (page 10). Since initially catching the puzzling bug in 2018, Mueller has embraced the fastgrowing community around it and now sits on the board of the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association. “In terms of a sport, it’s one of those activities where everybody’s cheering everybody else on,” Mueller says. “I think that’s what’s really helped grow the community because everybody feels welcomed and supported, and we’re just happy for each other’s successes.”
Speaking of community, our readers have once again proven their passion for the local community through our Best of Plymouth readers’ choice poll (page 18). Over the month of February, we invited residents to celebrate their favorite businesses, places, service providers and more. Thousands of votes stand as a testament to the love our readers have for Plymouth.
What are you passionate about? Shine a light on lesser-known hobbies you participate in by emailing me at madeline@localmedia.co.
Until next time,
Madeline Kopiecki madeline@localmedia.co
Photo: Chris Emeott
Photo by: Chris Emeott
VOL. 21 NO. 6
June/July 2026
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Kassondra Burtis, Ashley Cardona, Findlay Drabant, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde and Alexandra Tostrud
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ryan Barland, Emily Maxson, Ashley Meyers and Amy Sundet
DIGITAL INTERN
Danielle Gallus
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Kelley Giancola, Interfaith Outreach ; Meghan Milovich, blogger and fundraiser for Children’s Hospitals ; Zach Nelson, Wayzata School District ; Mark Poppendeck, Beez ‘N Treez Foundation ; Brian Rosemeyer, City of Plymouth ; and LuAnn Svendsen, Plymouth Reads chair and community volunteer
SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Dovolos
ART DIRECTOR
Allison Nolden
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Jamie Klang
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann
PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson
To subscribe to Plymouth Magazine , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2026. All rights reserved.
Top Shelf Titles
Build out dad’s bookshelf this Father’s Day with two great gift picks. The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon celebrates 12 American heroes you’ve likely never heard of. These individuals showed extraordinary courage by doing the next needed thing in their communities. The stories leave readers feeling hopeful about the impact one person can make and clearly illustrate the type of character that helped build our nation.
In Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby, Ike and Buddy are two dads who could not be more different, but they come together to avenge and seek retribution for the murders of their sons on their wedding day. This gritty crime novel addresses fear of people who are different as the men are forced to examine their own prejudices, alongside themes of loyalty and understanding.
Amy Sundet is a Plymouth book reviewer helping overbooked readers find their next favorite book. Find her on Instagram @overbookedmoms.
Your Wedding, Our Pages
This beautiful time of year brings coral bells and wedding bells! And, as you know, every wedding celebration starts with a special announcement. We are pleased to announce that plans for our stunning, annual wedding issue are currently underway.
We’re ready to showcase your extraordinary nuptials in our special wedding issue, which will be published in January 2027. Your celebration could be featured alongside articles highlighting other premier wedding industry members and details important to other couples planning their upcoming ceremonies and receptions. Our pages brim with artfully and intentionally
curated weddings that stand out and inspire. Was your wedding (or one you coordinated, hosted or photographed!) an elegant celebration? Were guests treated to a blacktie affair, a lavish destination event or a curated soirée? Bespoke décor. Breathtaking venues. Couture fashion. One-of-a-kind touches. We’re interested in all of it!
To be considered, wedding gallery submissions are accepted June 1 through September 1, 2026, for weddings that took place from September 1, 2025, onward. Visit plymouthmag.com to learn more about how you can submit wedding galleries for consideration.
Photo: Collette Rochell Photography
Best of FAQs
While voting is complete, there might be questions when it comes to how our annual readers’ choice poll operates. This year, we transformed the experience with a new, interactive ballot. Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions.
How are the categories chosen?
Annually, our teams evaluate the categories to ensure our poll is reflective of our local businesses and is in tune with our readership’s interests and suggestions.
How did voting work?
From February 1–28, readers voted for their favorite local businesses and service providers by clicking on the business they wanted to vote for or writing in entrants; write-in votes were processed and appeared on the ballot once approved.
Does advertising influence the results?
The poll is managed by our editorial department and is completely independent from our sales department.
Can a winner or finalist be located outside of the magazine’s coverage area? Absolutely. In order to qualify, each business or organization must be located in the community and/or provide services to local residents.
As a winner, how do I purchase a framed cover?
Winners can request a complimentary digital copy of the Best of Plymouth cover design, indicating the winning category and the business’s or organization’s name. Winners can purchase a 14x17-inch black, wood framed award certificate. The cost is $195 per item, including shipping and handling, and can be ordered at localmedia.co/ bestofwinner. Note: The Local team does not sell awards, plaques or trophies associated with the Best of Plymouth. Editorial Staff
Falling Into Place
Heather Mueller
takes a competitive approach to puzzles.
By Alexandra Tostrud
When Plymouth resident Heather Mueller began puzzling in 2018, the community wasn’t the fast-growing, organized network it would become. She started off with friends Katie Everson, Kim Pietrzak and Megan Westrum, and the group got together once a month. Now, Mueller sits on the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association (USAJPA) board, helping to bring over 3,000 puzzle lovers together. Mueller and her three teammates—dubbed the Puzzle Moms by their kids—attended their first speed puzzling competition in Duluth in 2019, and Mueller realized she’d found a way to engage her competitive nature outside of traditional sports. “I’m a very competitive person, so I like [to be in] competition with myself,” Mueller says. “If you practice and study what you do, how you do it, you can see progress.”
For Mueller, this means recording herself practicing to identify weak points. While there’s some muscle memory involved in puzzling, “It’s definitely a mental game,” she says. “When you’re doing it alone, you’re looking at your hands—are both your hands moving? Are you slowing down? Did you spend too much time in one area? All those things you can identify in video.”
In preparation for competitions, puzzling teams or pairs meet as many times as they can to puzzle together and identify who will do what part. “There’s some thought process to it, but really it’s just getting to know what your teammate likes to do because everybody has their strengths and weaknesses in terms of puzzling,” Mueller says.
Although the competitive aspect to speed puzzling is undeniable, the community maintains a notably easy-going atmosphere. “In terms of a sport, it’s one of those activities where everybody’s cheering everybody else on,” Mueller says. “I think that’s what’s really helped grow the community because everybody feels welcomed and supported, and we’re just happy for each other’s successes.”
Since starting out in 2018, Heather Mueller’s love for puzzling has only grown. Stay up-to-date on her latest feats by following her on Instagram @mnpuzzlemom.
Heather Mueller works Cute Kawaii Chaos, a 500-piece puzzle by Ravensburger.
HEATHER MUELLER’S PUZZLE PICKS
For the 3D Enthusiast: Central Perk by Wrebbit3D; 440 pieces
For the Challenge Seeker: Demelsa Haughton: If Fish Could Walk by Ravensburger; 2,000 pieces
For the Family Gamemaster: Mercats by Cobble Hill; 350 pieces
For the Mystery Solver: Minnesota State Parks by PuzzleTwist; 1,000 pieces
For the Speed Demon: Road Trip by Re-marks; 500 pieces
For the Zen Master: Sky Love by Soon Cho; 1,000 pieces
Since discovering this tightknit community, Mueller has helped to cultivate it through volunteering for USAJPA in 2022 before joining the board in 2024. In this role, she shifted much of her attention to the puzzle of planning events for the community. “We have the big event [USA Jigsaw Nationals], but on top of that we do puzzling clubs, traveling puzzles, sanctioned events and state events,” Mueller says.
For those looking to try their hand at speed puzzling, Mueller recommends starting with Sarah Does Puzzles’ in-person puzzle contests, hosted by Sarah Schuler, who puts on the contests at breweries across the Twin Cities. If you enjoy it, she says, you could move to larger competitions like speedpuzzling.com’s Minnesota State Championship or the Autism Society of Minnesota’s Jigsaw Puzzle Competition at the Mall of America, both in October.
@mnpuzzlemom
Alyssa Raghuveer and Lauren Chambs
In Full Swing
Two Plymouth athletes are named to Minnesota’s inaugural junior golf team.
By Madeline Kopiecki and Zoe Yates
Aspiring young golfers in the state have a new opportunity for training and competition. As part of the new U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), Team Minnesota is the state’s first junior golf team, created to identify and provide critical development to elite high school golfers.
Eighteen-year-old Alyssa Raghuveer a recent graduate of Benilde-St. Margaret’s— says that of the 24 athletes on the inaugural roster, she’s already familiar with the 11 other girls on the team. “I’ve been playing with them for the last four years in high school,” Raghuveer says. “I know them all really well just from playing and just being in the same tournaments.”
Raghuveer, who plans on attending the University of St. Thomas in the fall, says that Team Minnesota is set up well for players who intend to proceed to Division I golf. “You have your team, and you’re all practicing together, but then you’ll go into your separate tournaments and compete,” she says. “I think it sets you up really well for players that do want to play in college.”
The team has met for equipment fittings and participated in regular team training and a multiday performance summit following the USNDP’s elite training framework. “Second Swing was very generous and got everyone fitted for golf clubs,” eighteen-yearold Lauren Chambs—a recent graduate of
Team Minnesota gives studentathletes an opportunity to elevate their golf game.
Wayzata High School—says. “That was a super fun day.” Since then, the team has met at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska for drills together.
Chambs, who plans to continue playing golf at North Dakota State University, says Team Minnesota is an excellent way to illustrate the team aspect of the sport. “Team Minnesota is a really great way to showcase that and get a team vibe around girls who don’t necessarily go to my school, but I see in summer tournaments,” she says.
“It’s not like a traditional team … where you’re practicing every day together,” says Holly Noble, captain of Team Minnesota and Minnesota Golf Association women’s golf manager. “It’s a little bit more elevated, higher-level resource, providing and making sure that these athletes have all of the tools that they need to elevate their game and perform at the highest level.”
Both Raghuveer and Chambs note that they’re excited for upcoming summer tournaments in which state teams face off on a national stage. “That’s definitely a goal for me, just to be able to compete with the other teams from the other states,” Raghuveer says. Other than that, she says she looks forward to using the team’s resources to improve both on and off the course.
Team Minnesota mngolf.org @teammngolf
BEST OF PLYMOUTH
This February, we asked our readers to plant the seeds of what would grow to become the Best of Plymouth 2026. Readers nominated a wide array of businesses, organizations and service providers in over 70 categories that contribute to Plymouth’s thriving community. March bloomed with celebration when local finalists were announced, and now it’s time to reveal our readers’ picks for this bouquet of Plymouth’s finest. We would like to thank our readers for cultivating this community resource through their votes. We couldn’t have this perennial celebration of Plymouth without you! —Madeline Kopiecki
Meet the standout stars of our flourishing community.
Photos by Chris Emeott
DINING
Best Bakery
1. The Fox and Pantry
2. Dufner’s Donuts & Deli
3. Lunds & Byerlys
Best Breakfast or Brunch
1. Peg’s Countryside Cafe
2. The Original Pancake House
3. ElMar’s NY Pizza Bagel Pop-Ups
Best Burger
1. Rock Elm Tavern
2. Northern Taphouse
3. Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill
Best Dessert
1. Honey & Mackie’s
2. Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill
3. Culver’s of Plymouth
Best International Cuisine
1. Nong’s Thai Cuisine
2. India Palace Plymouth
3. Lucky Street
Best Locally Owned Coffee or Tea Shop
1. The Fox and Pantry
2. Brew Park Plymouth
3. Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso
Best Outdoor Dining Space
1. CōV
2. Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill
3. Rock Elm Tavern
Best Pizza
1. ElMar’s NY Pizza
2. Latuff’s Pizzeria
3. Broadway Bar & Pizza
Best Plant-Based or Vegan Menu
1. Crisp & Green
2. Nala’s Kitchen
3. Lucky Street
Best Restaurant
1. Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill
2. Rock Elm Tavern
3. Northern Taphouse
Best Winery
1. Schram Vineyards
2. Sovereign Estate
ABODE
Best Carpet and Flooring Store
1. Hamernick’s Flooring Superstore
2. ProSource of Plymouth
3. U.B. Hardwoods & Flooring
Best Custom Home Builder
1. J Brothers Design – Build – Remodel, Inc.
2. Gonyea Custom Homes
3. Hanson Builders
Best Garden Center
1. Bachman’s
2. Gregor Farm & Greenhouse
3. Heidi’s GrowHaus & Lifestyle Gardens
Best Home Décor or Furniture Store
1. Tie: Abode & Co.; Schneiderman’s Furniture
2. HOM Furniture
Best Interior Design Firm
1. Scanlon Builders
2. J Brothers Design – Build – Remodel, Inc.
3. Revival House
Best Landscape Design
1. MH3 Design Group
2. Custom One Landscaping
3. Southview Design
Best Remodeler
1. Scanlon Builders
2. J Brothers Design – Build – Remodel, Inc.
3. Crystal Kitchen + Bath
Best Senior Living Residence
1. Trillium Woods
2. The Waters of Plymouth
3. Amira Choice Plymouth
SERVICES
Best Electrical Services
1. Dean’s Home Services
2. J. Becher & Associates
3. JZ Electric
Best Financial Services
1. Berger Financial Group
2. Manifest Wealth Management
3. Encore Financial
Best Heating and Cooling Services
1. Dean’s Home Services
2. Heating & Cooling Two, Inc.
3. Standard Heating & Air Conditioning
Best Law Practice
1. AND Law Offices, PLLC
2. Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd.
Best Lawn Care or Snow Removal
1. Anderson Lawn Care
2. David’s Lawn Service
3. Outdoor & More LLC
Best Plumbing Services
1. Dean’s Home Services
2. Spring Plumbing
3. Plumb Right
Best Roofing Services
1. Donnelly Stucco & Exteriors
2. Allstar Construction
3. Kuhl’s Contracting
SELF CARE
Best Barbershop or Salon With Men’s Services
1. Roosters Men’s Grooming Center
2. 18|8
3. Urban Eve
Best Boutique Fitness or Yoga Studio
1. Pilates MN
2. Honest Yoga
3. Surge Cycling
Best Hair Salon
1. Urban Eve
2. Hair District Collective
3. Reflect Salon + Spa
Best Manicure and Pedicure
1. Diamond Nails
2. Zen Nails
3. Vick’s Nail Lounge
Best Med Spa
1. Elevate Medical Spa
2. Abella Aesthetics
Best Spa
1. Woodhouse Spa
2. Tree of Life Therapeutic Massage & Spa
3. Elevate Medical Spa
WELLNESS
Best Chiropractic or Holistic Wellness Practice
1. Plymouth Spine and Health Center
2. Fortin Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinic, P.A.
3. Northern Edge Chiropractic
Best Dental Practice
1. Bay Creek Dental
2. Smile Design Dentistry
3. Ostrem Dental
Best Dermatology Practice
1. Lakes Dermatology
2. Pinnacle Dermatology
3. Ecker Dermatology
Best Family Medicine Practice
1. Park Nicollet Clinic Plymouth
2. Northwest Family Clinics
3. Voyage Healthcare
Best Massage
1. Buzzella Massage
2. Tree of Life Therapeutic Massage & Spa
3. Renew Massage and Bodywork
Best OB-GYN Practice
1. Oakdale OBGYN
2. Voyage Healthcare
3. Almara Haugen Plymouth (formerly Haugen OB/GYN)
Best Orthodontic Practice
1. Smile Design Dentistry
2. Kottemann Orthodontics
3. Camp Smile
Best Physical Therapy Practice
1. Twin Cities Orthopedics
2. Courage Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy–Plymouth
3. Summit Orthopedics
Best Vision Care Practice
1. Four Seasons Eye Care
2. Plymouth Vision Center
3. Kennedy Vision Health Center
LEARNING
Best College Prep or Tutoring Center
1. Kumon
2. Mathnasium
3. Kay Tutoring
Best Dance Studio
1. Summit Dance Shoppe
2. Just For Kix
3. Esteem Dance
Best Driver’s Education
1. Easy Driving Schools
2. A+ Driving School
Best Music Lessons or School
1. School of Rock Plymouth
2. Kramer’s School of Music
3. Medina School of Music
Best Preschool Program
1. The Goddard School of Plymouth
2. Primrose School of West Plymouth
3. Wayzata Community Church Nursery School
Best Private School
1. Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School
2. Providence Academy
3. St. Bartholomew Catholic School
LEISURE
Best Beach, Open Space or Park
1. Baker Park Reserve
2. Clifton E. French Regional Park
3. West Medicine Lake Park
Best Golf Course
1. Baker National Golf
2. Rush Creek Golf Club
3. Eagle Lake Golf
Best Place for Family Activities
1. Plymouth Community Center
2. Fractional Toys
3. Plymouth Ice Center
Best Place for Kids’ Birthday Party
1. Urban Air Adventure Park
2. Plymouth Community Center
PET CARE
Best Pet Boarding or Daycare Service
1. Pet Retreat Plymouth
2. Camp Bow Wow
3. PetSuites Plymouth
Best Pet Grooming Service
1. Pet Retreat Plymouth
2. Shaggy Dog Grooming
3. Red Barn Pet Retreat
Best Veterinarian Practice
1. Vet Partners Plymouth
2. Plymouth Heights Pet Hospital
3. Tie: Cats Preferred Veterinary Hospital; Rockford Road Animal Hospital
SHOPS
Best Florist
1. Bachman’s
2. Orchids Limited
3. The Wild Orchid
Best Gift Shop
1. Patina
2. Art 2 Heart
3. Abode & Co.
Best Jewelry Store
1. Bergstrom Studio
2. Veberod Gem Gallery
3. Tie: Artelle Designs; Graham Jewelers
Best Men’s or Women’s Apparel Boutique
1. The Foursome & Boundary Clothing
2. Urban Eve
3. Abode & Co.
Best Specialty Food or Kitchen Store
1. Lunds & Byerlys
2. La Cocina de Ana
WEDDING VENDORS
Best Alterations or Tailoring Service
1. Amazing Alterations
2. Needle Trix
3. Imagine Stitch
Best Wedding Photographer or Videographer
1. Jessica Hegland Photography
2. Eric Vest Photography
Best Wedding Venue
1. The Hutton House
2. Rush Creek Golf Club
3. Plymouth Community Center
The Best of Plymouth floral design is courtesy of LILIA Flower Boutique, known for its exceptional arrangements, beautiful bouquets, design workshops and curated gifts. We extend our sincere appreciation for the stunning florals that grace our cover and pages.
LILIA Flower Boutique liliaflower.com @lilia.designfloral
Written by Madeline Kopiecki
EDITOR’S PICKS
Oh, the Places You Went: We check in with our 2016 Prep Elites.
A lot can change in a decade, but our readership’s long-abiding interest in Plymouth Magazine’s annual high school senior showcase has continued to flourish over time. Formerly known as Prep Elite, our Senior Spotlight feature highlights students with drive, passion and big plans for the future. In light of the special place these stories hold in the heart of our community, we decided to revisit the Class of 2016 to see where some of those students are now. (Stay tuned for our August/September issue where we’ll introduce Plymouth’s Class of 2026.)
Plymouth’s Derek Onserio and Ellie Olmanson as pictured in the 2016 Prep Elite feature.
ELLIE OLMANSON WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL
Left: Ellie Olmanson at the Notre Dame North Quad on the day she graduated from the University of Notre Dame. Top Right: Olmanson lights a candle at the Notre Dame Grotto on graduation day. Bottom Right: Olmanson today, on the gondola in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with fiancé Brock Gorman.
In 2016, Ellie Olmanson knew she wanted to branch out and make friends throughout the nation at an out-of-state school. At the University of Notre Dame, Olmanson says she had friends from coast to coast. “I joke that wherever I travel, I could run into someone I know,” she says. “I’ve run into people in Brunswick, Maine, at the [Chicago O’Hare International Airport], just all around and folks in every time zone of the U.S.” Olmanson says she appreciates how her collegiate exposure to different perspectives brought out her own. “You really start to understand what drives people, how they think and how they approach problems,” she says. “That exposure, I felt, is really helpful to my day-to-day life now.”
At Wayzata High School, Olmanson was on the varsity basketball and lacrosse teams. At Notre Dame, this passion found its outlet on intramural teams. “There was actually a semester where I participated in more intramural sports than anyone else on campus, which is something that I think I’m oddly proud of,” she says. “We made it to the championship for my basketball team, and we played in the same arena as the men’s and women’s teams do for their games; made it to the championship for [flag] football [and] played in the Notre Dame football stadium, which is so cool too.”
Since graduating, Olmanson has leaned into the “business” side of her science business major, first as a senior associate and now an assistant vice president at Kaufman Hall in Denver. “I always thought that health care was really interesting,” Olmanson says. “I was drawn to the fact that that industry is so inevitably changing, and there’s so much room for improvement. I think that that broadness and opportunity there really drew me to it.”
When she isn’t flying across the country for work, Olmanson says there’s plenty in the transplant community of Denver to keep her occupied. “I love how much there is to do actively; you can go for a walk around Sloan’s Lake. There’re so many cute shops to hop into, [and] there’s hiking and there’s skiing just a few hours away,” she says. MONDAY
DEREK ONSERIO
PROVIDENCE ACADEMY
When we interviewed Derek Onserio in August 2016, the then-Providence Academy senior knew he was going to attend college, but “where” was still up in the air. In March 2017, this question became even trickier to answer. Onserio had been accepted to all eight Ivy League schools. “It was just a complete moment of shock and awe for me,” he says.
Onserio had originally applied earlyaction to Yale University but was deferred over winter break. “It’s never the news you want to hear, but honestly, for me, it just invigorated me,” he says. Although he was later accepted to Yale, Onserio had already broadened his scope and found aspects that attracted him to each Ivy League school. Harvard University ultimately won out, partially because of the school community,
partially because of Onserio’s interest in Harvard’s rigorous and competitive “comping” process to join student organizations. “I’ve always been someone that’s always just loved to be involved in a wide variety of things,” he says. “That was another thing that appealed to me.”
At Providence Academy, Onserio says he was involved in most of the clubs on campus, “which is a credit to the school and its ability to offer students the flexibility and the opportunity to participate in multiple clubs,” he says. At Harvard, Onserio was similarly omnivorous in his interests. He furthered his abiding passion for music through joining The Harvard Krokodiloes, the oldest and most prestigious a cappella group on campus. “It was one of the experiences that I don’t think I’ll ever forget in
my life,” Onserio says. “It’s a pretty intense group, pretty intense experience.”
After graduation in 2021, Onserio went on to become a senior business analyst at McKinsey & Company in Chicago, making good on his prediction in 2016 that he would go into business. “I also did work for a year at the Obama Foundation; I did a fellowship through McKinsey,” Onserio says. From February 2024–25, Onserio provided financial strategy to the nonprofit, which oversees the creation of the Obama Presidential Center. “It was just a really cool and unique opportunity for me to blend some of my business interests with some of my other interests,” he says. More recently, Onserio is pivoting his career path to entrepreneurship with a primary focus on mortgage brokerage in the Plymouth area.
Left: Derek Onserio at a vineyard in Italy while on a world tour with his a cappella group, The Harvard Krokodiloes. Right: Onserio today, exploring new neighborhoods with friends.
Bonfe Home Services
When it comes to caring for your home, Bonfe provides trusted service and high-quality, reliable products for HVAC, plumbing, electrical and sewer systems—including air conditioners, electrical panels, furnaces, softeners, water heaters and more. Founded in St. Paul in 1993 by the Bonfe family, Bonfe remains 100 percent family-owned and locally operated and proudly provides Twin Cities homeowners with exceptional service and lasting peace of mind through its industry-leading Lifetime Warranty on repairs and installations, 24/7 emergency availability and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Bonfe’s expert technicians are also knowledgeable about sustainability practices, making it easy to upgrade to high-efficiency systems, install smart thermostats and maintain equipment. (Friendly reminder: Schedule your A/C tune up!) “Our experienced technicians clean, test and evaluate
systems to prevent surprise breakdowns and keep energy bills in check,” says Jake Niebur, HVAC team lead. “We care for homes like they’re our own, delivering honest solutions and quality service.”
Homeowners agree. “My furnace, water heater and toilets are all running correctly because of the Bonfe team.” Emily says.
“Bonfe saved me. We had out-of-town guests, and our shower decided to spring a leak,” Judy says. With regular rates from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., 7 days a week, Bonfe is the trusted choice for thousands of homeowners. Its service extends outside of the home too. “We don’t just work in the Twin Cities—we’re part of it,” says owner Pete Bonfe. “Through Bonfe Cares, we partner with local organizations, supporting causes that strengthen our communities. It’s our way of staying involved and giving back to the place we call home.”
Pete Bonfe, owner, talks with a team member at the shop
Shining Bright
Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill celebrates its golden anniversary.
Written by Emily Gedde
Photos by Chris Emeott
Brian and April Hanson alongside executive chef Andrew Ortis.
After 50 years, Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill is more than just a restaurant. The Plymouth eatery is the backdrop for generations of family gatherings, a site of countless celebrations and, perhaps most importantly, a room of familiar faces. The restaurant’s golden milestone this June is a commemoration of the people who make Sunshine Factory the special place that it is.
Randy Rosengren built and opened the restaurant with his father, Earl Rosengren, in 1976, and it quickly developed a reputation for its entertaining, family-friendly and inviting atmosphere. First located in New Hope, the restaurant’s bustling energy made it an easy neighborhood favorite.
Current owner April Hanson teases she was “just born” when Sunshine Factory opened. Starting as a hostess in 1985, she recalls the original dining room’s intimate supperclub ambiance and the contrasting casualness of the bar where peanut shells were scattered across the floor. “We were always very value driven,” she says. “Everyone was welcome.”
April worked her way up the ladder over the next 40 years. “I have personally fulfilled every role in this building,” she says. “I wouldn’t say I’m a cook, but I’ve been behind the line a couple of times.” She and Rosengren were partners from 1999 to January 1 of this year, when she and her husband, Brian Hanson, purchased the business outright.
April Hanson says the TexMex Salad (left) and Poke Bowl (right) are personal favorites of her and her husband, Brian Hanson. These dishes are also top picks among Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill regulars.
“Brian has been here for about 30 years,” April says. “We actually met at the Sunshine Factory.” Their story is one of many. Several staff members met their spouses at the restaurant, stood beside coworkers at their weddings and supported one another through some of life’s most challenging moments. In 2022, longtime employee Katie Fisher was seriously injured in a car accident. Fisher’s community pulled together for her, and the restaurant held Katie Day, donating the proceeds from food and drink sales to support her and her family.
Sunshine Factory doesn’t limit itself to brightening just the local community either. In 2018, after the Parkland, Florida, school shooting, the school’s hockey team was scheduled to come to the Twin Cities for a tournament. April says she reached out to the team manager, and Sunshine Factory hosted the entire team and their families. “Those kids had just gone through the worst situation imaginable,” she says. “We wanted to show them what Minnesota Nice is all about. That was one of the best days of my life.”
The family-like feeling extends beyond the staff. Guests feel it too. April says the restaurant is a generational favorite that has become part of core memories for people who have walked through the doors for years. “People have a special spot in their hearts for this place,” she says.
When the New Hope lease wasn’t renewed in 2013, Sunshine Factory was faced with two options: relocate or close. April says the latter was never really on the table. “If we had closed, about 110 people would have lost their jobs,” she says. “We’re a family. We
Top: Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill employees Misty, Krista, Brian and Sheila on November 19, 2013, the last day of business at the former location in New Hope. Bottom, from left to right: A menu from the first anniversary; an old matchbook; the original marquee sign.
Making
“We’re still here because we produce, we perform and we go out of our way to make sure our guests are happy.”
APRIL HANSON
very quickly knew that wasn’t an option.” Fortunately, a new location was found just over 3 miles down the road, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions the team could have made. Sunshine Factory moved to Plymouth, marking a new era for the then 37-year-old business.
A lot has changed for Sunshine Factory— and the dining industry as a whole—during the past five decades. Large Sunday brunch buffets and famous 28-ounce prime ribs are mostly things of the past. Today, people are more conscious about their diet and sensitivities, and restaurants reflect this shift in their menus. “We can’t lose sight of who we are, but we can’t stay the same either,” April says. “We must evolve. I never thought I’d see a gluten-free bun on our menu, but it’s there, and people are grateful we offer that.”
Reflecting on its 50-year history, April says she feels extremely proud that Sunshine Factory continues to hold its place in the community. “This means we figured it out,” she says. “We’re still here because we produce, we perform and we go out of our way to make sure our guests are happy. Without them, we wouldn’t be here, and we make sure to appreciate each and every person who walks through our doors.”
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Semiquincentennial Celebration
The Traveling Professor brings American history to life.
On July 4, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but the Plymouth History Center has a year’s worth of historical programming already well underway. The Founders 250 Series is a 12-part lecture series that has been providing an overview of the American Revolutionary period from 1750–1850.
Dave Johnston, also known as the Traveling Professor, kicked off the monthly lecture series with a prelude to the Revolutionary War and has since brought the chronological series up to the presidency of George Washington. “You could certainly pick and choose [which to attend] based on content,” historic site coordinator Ryan Barland says. He notes that some topics are expected to be more popular than others, like the
lecture from 2–3 p.m. June 18 at the Plymouth History Center about the life of Benjamin Franklin.
Regardless of topic, Barland says Johnston is an eminently engaging speaker. “He tends to wear historically accurate clothing for the period, so he will dress up in similar clothing to George Washington [for example],” Barland says. “He really tries to make the lectures feel more like a conversation.”
The Founders 250 Series alternates location between the Plymouth History Center and the Plymouth Community Center, with the lecture from 2–3 p.m. July 23 about the lives of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson being held at the latter. Find the schedule for the rest of the series at history.plymouthmn.gov. —Madeline Kopiecki
Photo: John Sucansky
The Traveling Professor, Dave Johnston, adds an engaging touch to his lectures by wearing period-appropriate attire.
06.12
Hilde Nights
Enjoy the contemporary blues and rock music of Minnesota-raised artist Cole Allen and band Mallrats. The concert will be held 6–10 p.m. at the Hilde Performance Center. plymouthmn.gov
06.16
Summer Skate Series
From 5–9 p.m., the City of Plymouth is hosting a skateboarding contest at Plymouth Creek Skate Park. This competition is open to all ages and offers prizes to the top three contenders per division. plymouthmn.gov
06.17
Farmers Market
A new season at the Plymouth Farmers Market is starting just in time for summer. Visit the market on opening afternoon from 2–6 p.m. at Parkers Lake Playfield to get some fresh produce. plymouthmn.gov
06.27
Music in Plymouth 5K
Gather friends and family and join the community in running this annual marathon from 7–11 a.m. at Northwest Greenway pavilion. musicinplymouth.org
07.08
Music in Plymouth
This event returns for its 54th rendition and features the Minnesota Orchestra and other live entertainment from 5:30–10 p.m. at the Hilde Performance Center. musicinplymouth.org
07.19
Sensory Friendly Sunday
From 8:30–10:30 a.m., the Plymouth Community Center’s indoor playground will have specially reserved time and accommodations for children over the age of 3 with sensory needs. plymouthmn.gov
Compiled by Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson
To have your event considered: email plymouthmag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
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Picture Plymouth
When you look through your photo files, what do you see? Whether it’s a candid moment, an iconic area landmark, a brush with nature or something in between, odds are it captures a glimpse of what it’s like to call Plymouth home. From July 1 to August 31, our Picture Plymouth photo contest is open to shutterbugs of all ages and experience levels. Explore your shots from this past year, and share what the spirit of Plymouth looks like through your lens. Categories include: Abstract, People, Pets, Places, Seasons and Wildlife. Judges reserve the right to recategorize submissions if they feel the photographs are better suited to a different category.
The Details:
• Submissions are accepted between 8 a.m. July 1–5 p.m. August 31 at plymouthmag.com.
• Entrants must live, work or attend school in the Plymouth area.
• Entrants may submit up to five photos, with no more than three in any category.
• Photos should be taken in the Plymouth area.
• Generally, photos should have been taken within a year of the submission date.
• Readers’ Choice voting is open September 15–30 on our website.
• Winning images could be featured in our magazine, website and social media platforms.
• The results of the contest will be posted on our website by October 1.
Visit plymouthmag.com for additional rules and information. —Editorial Staff
While walking through the crowd at Music in Plymouth, “I caught a glimpse of this gentleman’s hat, with the crowd and Hilde in the backdrop,” photographer Bodhi Bhaduri says. “The image and its title almost came without thought.” —Madeline Kopiecki
Photographer: Bodhi Bhaduri
Title: Stars, Stripes and Music
Equipment: Canon EOS RP
Mirrorless Camera with Canon EF 70–200mm Lens
Location: Hilde Performance Center
Category: Places
Award: First Place
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