Whether you’re out with friends or looking for the perfect place to grab a bite with your family, downtown Chaska has something to meet every appetite and craving…

American Fare…
Looking for some traditional American fare? Stop by Tommy’s Malt Shop for some classic favorites and the best malts, sundaes, and floats around. Or, visit Cuzzy’s Brickhouse and enjoy their apps, flatbreads, salads and house specials like their walleye dinner. Want to grab dinner with a twist? The Crooked Pint Ale House offers a full selection of craft beers, and their menu includes mouth-watering Lucy’s, pot pies, homemade jumbo tots, and tacos – all with a view of the Chaska Curling Center’s ice. All three of these restaurants offer some of the best outdoor seating in Chaska as well!
– Crooked Pint – 3210 Chaska Blvd
– Tommy’s Malt Shop – 2 River Bend Pl
– Cuzzy’s Brickhouse – 2880 Chaska Blvd

Some Authentic Mexican Cuisine…
Downtown Chaska is home to some of the best Mexican food in the southwest metro! With their famous alambre, tortas, and tacos, Chaska My Love brings authentic Mexican flavor to every bite. A block away at Patron, local ingredients make up their burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, and their margaritas are some of the best we’ve ever had! Our newest addition to the downtown Mexican food scene is La Hermosa. From their Sunday buffet to their chimichangas and combo plates, their dishes have been a huge local hit. Try all three, get creative with your orders, and experience Mexican cuisine in a whole new way in Chaska!
– Chaska My Love – 127 W 4th St
– Patron – 207 N Chestnut St #110
– La Hermosa – 222 N Chestnut St

Asian Favorites…
For Szechuan, Cantonese, and Hunan cuisine made fresh daily, Chaska delights! China Pagoda offers a full menu of your Asian favorites with a full Chinese buffet to please the whole family. Rising Dragon is known for its delicious General Tso’s chicken, moo shu pork, eggrolls, and Singapore noodles. Looking to grab something on the go? Both offer take-out and delivery as well!
– China Pagoda – 323 N Chestnut St
– Rising Dragon – 814 Yellow Brick Rd

Cravin’ Caffeine…
If you’re looking for a great cup of jo in the morning, Chaska has two fantastic local options. Dunn Brothers, just two blocks from the Minnesota River, is a cozy little coffee shop and a comfortable place to meet friends while you enjoy a cup and a treat. Looking for some fresh made pastries and breads to go with your java? Stroll on down to Red Bench Bakery for a chocolate croissant, a danish, a Swedish, or their famous ham and cheese croissant! Both are a great place to share a drink, connect with friends, or simply spend some time in a good book on a crisp fall day.
– Dunn Brothers – 100 E 2nd St
– Red Bench – 500 N Chestnut St

Time for a Slice…
No matter your taste in pizza, Chaska has the perfect fit for you. Sarpino’s is known for their Hawaiian pizza with bacon, rich sauce, and specialty calzones. Pizza and Pasta has amazing pizza combined with pasta favorites like Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo and Baked Rigatoni. Domino’s and Little Caesars round out the list, both offering pizza, wings, and more for your next get-together or family meal. Best of all, they’ll all deliver right to your door!
– Sarpino’s – 816 Walnut Pl
– Pizza N Pasta – 105 W 2nd St
– Little Caesars – 818 Yellow Brick Rd
– Dominos – 503 N Chestnut St

Something from the Bar…
Some days were meant for something off the grill and a cold one. Cy’s offers mouth-watering burgers, pizzas, apps, breakfast on Sundays, and happy hour every day from 4-7pm. You’ll also find Saturday night karaoke and Sunday night trivia! Stop by the American Legion for Monday $5 burger night, and enjoy bingo and meat raffles at both of these local favorites!
– Cy’s Bar and Grill – 500 North Pine St
– American Legion – 102 W 4th St

Something Fast…
Looking for something fast? Subway offers all the favorite build-your-own sandwich and wrap options you love, all on fresh bread and signature wraps made just the way you like. Craving a Big Mac and fries? McDonald’s has something for everyone, from early morning McMuffins to your favorite sandwiches, salads, and McCafe treats. If meat’s your thing, Arby’s has what you’re looking for… Their Market Fresh and Signature Sandwiches will fill any appetite and leave you coming back for more!
– Subway – 701 N Walnut St
– McDonald’s – 2840 Chaska Blvd
– Arbys – 805 Yellow Brick Rd

Wrapping up at the Brewery…
The newest addition to the Chaska food and beverage scene is Schram Haus Brewery. A German-inspired brewery and tap-room on a bluff overlooking downtown Chaska, Schram Haus is sure to untap the fun when you meet there with friends and family. Enjoy a wide variety of beers on tap, from IPAs to offerings that honor Chaska’s German history and roots. You’ll find it all at Schram, just up the hill from downtown!
– Schram Haus Brewery – 3700 Chaska Blvd

For any business, celebrating a 20th Anniversary is a big deal. When they’re two businesses that reside side-by-side, that’s worth celebrating! Here in Downtown Chaska, both Fitness First and Lynn Laumann Photography on Second Street are celebrating twenty years of success, and we’re proud to have them in our community and share their stories!

 

FITNESS FIRST

FitnessFirstMN.com

“I began delivering papers to fifty customers when I was seven years old and opened my first checking account at the same age. My dad had to cosign my checks because at that age I was only able to print my name on the checks. During this time my brother and I had approximately eight lawn mowing customers with assistance from my dad. He purchased two lawn mowers and covered the gas, maintenance, etc. As long as my parent’s lawn was always mowed,  the money we earned was profit. Many of the lawn customers hired us for snow removal as well. Eventually, we purchased a snowblower and completely paid for it in one winter. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur, however looking back maybe the entrepreneurial path began for me a long time ago.”

Decades later, Steve Ritz is celebrating the 20th Anniversary commemorating the founding of Fitness First with locations in Chaska and Excelsior. Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, and a Master of Arts degree majoring in Exercise Physiology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He is also certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Some highlights in his career as a fitness professional include Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for the MN Vikings and training both major and minor league players for the Cleveland Indians Organization. Steve has also had involvement in various college and high school settings including Villanova University, North Dakota State University, Gustavus Adolphus College, and Anoka High School.

Eventually, Steve’s career path led him back to Minnesota, specifically Chaska where he reconnected with a man who was in search of professional strength training for his son. The boy was a soccer player at Blake High School. The formal connection took place at the Chaska Community Center at 1:30 on Friday during MEA break in 1997. “I possessed the knowledge as a result of my academic accomplishments and experience because of the professional path I traveled. Even though I had the knowledge and experience, I lacked two important ingredients. I did not have equipment or a space to work with people interested in strength training appointments. However, it was an opportunity for me to establish my presence in the community. Regardless of missing these two ingredients, the father was very interested in having his son train with me. The situation was not ideal, but I chose to heed the advice of a mentor from my younger years. When life presents opportunity always say yes because with intelligence and hard work success often will follow.”

Steve did say yes and began training the Blake soccer player and a teammate with other athletes and adults to follow. He soon began searching for space in Downtown Chaska which lead him to Second Street, the initial home in 1998 for two years followed by a move in 2000 to the current location at 115 East Second Street.

Reflecting back twenty years later, Steve shares, “I didn’t choose Chaska. Chaska chose me!”

Today, with his education and combined experience in professional and collegiate athletics, Steve is leading Fitness First into the next twenty years. An appointment only strength training clinic, Fitness First combines the power of professionally educated and experienced instructors with industry leading commercial grade equipment and a scientific, evidence-based customized exercise prescription. As they share, “We commit to building genuine relationships with each client and help them to get stronger for their journey.” This means whether you’re a time-strapped professional, a competitive athlete, an active grandparent, or an adventurous mom, they will help.

What excites Steve about the next twenty years? “I love the relationships we develop. I am a people person and I have a passion for how the body works. Fitness First allows me the opportunity to share my passion with people daily, in addition to forming strong relationships. Our clients become friends who happen to do business with us. I am very blessed to have the combination!”

 

LYNN LAUMANN PHOTOGRAPHY

LaumannPhotography.com

“When I was fifteen years old, I brought my camera with me to a babysitting job. It was a manual film camera… before the days of digital. While I was with the kids, I took their pictures, and then I brought the film to my dad. Two weeks later, once I got the pictures back, I went back to babysit again and brought the mom the photos. She cried, and the look in her eye captured me. I was immediately hooked by the idea that my photos could bring that much joy to someone.”

That was the launchpad for Lynn Laumann’s career as a professional photographer.

“Later in life, I had three children and was a stay-at-home mom. Budgets were tight, and so when my friends had new babies, I would offer to take their baby pictures as my gift. With three kids under the age of three, I started my business.”

She began her work in Waconia and moved to Chaska in 2016. She had been looking for a new studio space, and was drawn to Chaska as the perfect location for her outdoor sessions. “It just felt right, and it had everything I wanted to find. The Chaska brick, the lakes, the river, the trees, the parks, the flowers… everything I wanted was right here!”

Twenty years later, Lynn Laumann Photography on Second Street in Chaska is celebrating their 20th Anniversary, and if you haven’t met Lynn, you’ve likely heard about her. Her energy is contagious, and she brings an outgoing spirit to everything she does. You’ll see her with her camera out and about during almost every Chaska event, no matter the season, and she is continually capturing the essence of our community in her work.

From senior photo sessions and family portraits to taking business headshots and product photography, Lynn’s goal is simple. “I love taking people out of their comfort zone, getting them smiling and laughing, and make them feel comfortable. When it comes to family photos, these moments only come once – they grow up so fast! I’m here to help capture those moments for years to come!”

Twenty years into owning her studio, what gets Lynn out of bed in the morning? “I love when a mom comes in to pick up her proofs and sheds a tear as she tells me she loves how I captured her children. I also have a passion for business, and for helping other businesses capture who they are and what makes them unique in pictures. When I’m doing that, I’m doing what I love!”

 

CONGRATS!

Lynn Laumann Photography and Fitness First are two great examples of businesses that are helping make Downtown Chaska thrive! If you haven’t visited them yet, stop in and check them out. They’ll be excited to meet you!

Thanksgiving has come and gone, we have fully entered the holiday season! Last weekend’s Shop Small Saturday was a great kickoff to holiday shopping, and even today as we are wrapping up writing this blog, soft snow is falling and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Throughout Chaska, the season is coming alive. Our parks are being decorated, stores have been filled with gifts for giving, and it feels like the holidays are finally here! This weekend we’ll be celebrating our annual Hometown Holiday, but we’ll share more about that in a moment. First, let’s continue our journey through downtown…

As we’re wrapping up our holiday adventures here in downtown Chaska, we decided to stop into Carver Junk Company’s Chaska location. They had gifts galore, vintage and vintage-inspired decor, and a great collection of furniture to boot! From great signs for the house to holiday ornaments, pillowcases, casual clothing, handmade gifts, and more, Carver Junk has unique items for everyone on your list. Teacher gifts? Check. Something for your bestie? Check. A gift for a client? Check. And, if you feel like a little holiday DIY, check out one of their workshops and get introduced to chalk painting, calligraphy, stenciling, pallet art, and more! Carver Junk Company is open every Thursday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. Join them as you shop local this holiday season… you’ll love them. We did!

– Visit Carver Junk Company, 206 N Chestnut
– facebook.com/CarverJunkCompany/

Our last stop on our holiday adventure was to Michael’s Cycles, Chaska’s own hometown bike shop. With vivid memories of the year I got a new bike for Christmas, exploring this store was a great reminder of how much biking has impacted my own life. When asked what three words they would use to describe the shop, the staff answered with this, “Fun, fun, fun.” Then, with a smile, they added the words family and friendly. All of these words were fitting of our experience there. Michael’s has bikes and gear for every rider, from novice to experienced, casual to competitive, with something for everyone in your family! As they shared, “People come in because we’re local. They come back because their experience exceeded their expectations.” Come on down this Saturday as they’re celebrating Global Fat Tire Day with two rides, one at 8:00 in the morning with eggs, sausage, and juice afterward, or another ride at 1:30 in the afternoon followed by samples from Chaska’s soon to open Schram Haus Brewery.

– Visit Michael’s Cycles, 108 N Chestnut St
– facebook.com/MichaelsCyclesChaskaMN/

It’s time for Hometown Holiday!

Join us this Saturday! Chaska City Square Park will come alive as we celebrate Hometown Holiday together from 1:00-5:00 in the afternoon. There will be horse drawn carriage rides around historic downtown Chaska, and Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the reindeer will be joining us for the perfect holiday photo. There will be a Creation Station to make some winter art, plenty of holiday music and caroling, a live Nativity, bonfires, and the highlight of the day, our tree lighting at 5:00! Plus our downtown shops, businesses, and restaurants will be open with special deals and bargains for shopping, eating and drinking. Kick off your holiday with us this weekend in downtown Chaska, and we’ll help make your season bright this year!

Happy Holidays to all from Downtown Chaska!

The temps are feeling more and more like Christmas. Thanksgiving is just a week away now, and we’ll be gathered shortly to celebrate all we’re grateful for. Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving special will be on soon, the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season.

As we’re thinking ahead toward the most wonderful time of the year, we’re exploring a bit more of all downtown Chaska has to offer. As we wandered through some of the first snowflakes, we came across Urban Patina, the home of authentically crafted home decor and gifts. Owners Crystal and Paul have thoroughly prepped the store for the holidays, filling every nook and cranny with everything from wool ornaments to mugs, candles, home decor, and custom handcrafted furniture. Our favorites are the Urban Patina Snowstorm and Woodsman soy candles! All of their gift options are snuggled into their location off of Chestnut Street, bustling with winter decor and Minnesota-made merchandise. With something for everyone on your list and every corner of your home, Urban Patina is sure to make decorating for the holidays festive and bright!

– Visit Urban Patina, 416 N Chestnut Street
– For hours and to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanPatina.UP/

Our next stop was Body Expressions, Chaska’s first stop for upscale consignment clothing and dancewear. We got to spend some time with owner Lisa Raser and she shared some of her favorite things about the store. “We’re an upscale women’s clothing consignment shop where you’ll find high-quality, name brand clothing, accessories, and dancewear all less than two years old.” The store is full of finds, with something amazing around every corner. What gets Lisa excited about coming to work each day? “Consignment shopping is fun and environmentally responsible! Every day I get to meet new customers, and every day I get to see new merchandise coming in. It’s always Christmas here, and our merchandise is always changing. If you see it and like it, grab it or it will be gone when you come back next time!”

– Visit Body Expressions, 102 W 5th St.
– For hours and to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/Body-Expressions-Consignment-Clothing-107767789254041/

Our last stop of the day was at Shop 501 & Company. The Snowvember weather has started to get everyone in the holiday spirit with all our local shops preparing for the holidays, and Shop 501 is no exception. If you’re looking for vintage holiday decor, unusual antiques, or gifts for friends and family, this is the spot. With a combined 11 vendors showcasing their best merchandise throughout the store, they will wow you at every turn and help make your home merry and bright. As we walked through the store, we were reminded of Christmas’s past – the tree at grandma’s house, opening up presents as kids, hot cocoa and sledding. The holiday spirit glows brightly here! Stop in and explore their beautiful pieces from yesteryear and original handmade accessories throughout the store.

– Visit Shop 501 & Company, 3235 Chaska Blvd.
– For hours and to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/shop501company/

Downtown Chaska definitely has the holiday spirit! We’ll be back in two weeks with some more downtown small businesses that we can support with our local holiday shopping. That most difficult person on your list? Their gift is here downtown! Just a quick reminder as well to mark your calendars to celebrate with us on December 1st for Hometown Holiday in City Square Park – you won’t want to miss it! See you there!

Soon enough, we’ll be sharing Thanksgiving dinners and waking up to falling snow. The holidays are upon us, and we’ll be getting together with friends and family for parties and celebrations. Whether you’re looking for the perfect host gift or something special to share with a loved one around the Christmas tree, downtown Chaska has the ideal gift for everyone on your list. We decided to explore the local retail scene a bit, and our journey began on Second Street…

The first store we stopped into was Birchwood & Pine. When we asked owner Rachel Zacharias what three words she would use to describe her store, she responded with, “Unique, accessible, and fun.” Walking through the store, her words rang true. Birchwood and Pine is a home decor and gift store filled with one-of-a-kind pieces, where you walk in and immediately feel at home. Rachel’s fifteen plus years in the interior design business shines, and she offers rare items from Canada and Central Europe throughout the shop. What’s the best part of her day? The ooh’s and aah’s she hears as people wander the store, and helping customers create their own version of unique. There’s something here for you… come find it!

– Visit Birchwood & Pine, 113 East 2nd St, Chaska, MN
– For hours and to learn more: www.facebook.com/birchwoodpine/

Our next stop was right across the street at Linda’s Cellar. An occasional store that is open a few weekends each month, Linda was in the process of preparing for the holidays when we walked in, and there is literally something for everyone in this store. Vintage is their niche, and from antiques to repurposed items, industrial to farm, with new gift items mixed in – the variety is fantastic and the prices are amazing. As an occasional shop with 9 vendors inside, things are always changing, and their inventory always feels new and fresh. Linda’s favorite thing about the store? “Our customers have become like friends and family, and I love Chaska. I grew up here, and I love the people!” Looking for that moment that makes you say “Omigosh!”? It’s in Linda’s Cellar!

– Linda’s Cellar, 112 East 2nd St, Chaska, MN
– For hours and to learn more: www.facebook.com/LindasCellar/

Our last stop was at Sixth & Elm. They were ready for the holidays as well, with everything from ornaments to Christmas signs and pillowcases. They bring texture to everything they do, ranging from birch to shiplap to twine. Looking for a custom sign for your home? They do that too, and love working with customers to create something perfect for your home, space, and vision! Sixth & Elm has all things Christmas ready to decorate your home today, helping you fill those blank spaces on your walls, your mantle, and bookshelves! Enjoy their Christmas Sneak Peek on Nov 2-3 from 10-5 and come find that perfect gift for family, friends, or for you!

– Sixth & Elm, 116 E Second Street, Chaska, MN
– For hours and to learn more: www.facebook.com/sixthandelmsimplyhandmade/

As you can already see, there are so many holiday shopping options in downtown Chaska. Keep an eye out for our next blog post in a couple of weeks where we share a few more of the fantastic places to find that perfect gift downtown! And in the meantime, mark your calendars for December 1st at noon, and save the date to join us in City Square Park for our Hometown Holiday celebration. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there with their reindeer, there will be carolers and bonfires, and we’ll light the City Square tree!

The leaves are starting to change color, temperatures are starting to cool, the kids are back to school, and it’s time for the Chaska Downtown Block Party!

Last year in September, as Second Street reopened after months of construction, we decided there was only one thing to do to mark the occasion – celebrate! We wanted to take an opportunity to recognize our amazing local businesses, and to draw our community back together one last time in the fall. Our first Block Party was so much fun that we decided to do it again this year… but do it bigger and better on September 29th!

What does “bigger and better” look like? We decided to partner with Guardian Angels Catholic Church this year and include their Fall Fest with our 2nd Annual Chaska Block Party. Events will start at noon on Second Street with adult Zumba and the Kids Cookie Race, and then the day’s party really kicks off at 1:00 with food, drinks, music, fun, and games stretching up and down Second Street. At 5:00, the day’s activities will shift down to Guardian Angels, and we will celebrate on their grounds through the evening until 9:00.

The Block Party has something for everyone! For the kids, we’ll have bounce houses and a blow-up obstacle course, the kids dress up parade, glitter tattoos, balloon animals, and more. Shop our local businesses and the Farmers Market vendors, play some bingo, or just hang out and grab some food and drinks while you connect with neighbors and friends. There will be tours of the historic Guardian Angels Church, carriage rides, a car show, and for kids of all ages, the 100-foot zipline!

The Block Party is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all Chaska has to offer! From our thriving downtown businesses and entertainment to our vibrant faith communities, we are proud to be part of the southwest metro’s active, growing population. There’s so much to see and learn about Chaska, and the Block Party is the perfect showcase for both residents and guests to discover all we have to give as a community.

You’re invited! Yes, you! And your family, and your friends! Come on down and join us on September 29th at the 2018 Chaska Downtown Block Party, and let’s sneak in one last outdoor celebration before the snow flies and winter slides in!

Download this PDF for the full lineup of the day’s activities.

Friday mornings at Red Bench Bakery are a lot! A lot of laughter, community, coffee, and fun!

We all enjoy the simple pleasures. A cup of joe, a chocolate almond croissant, and a few of our closest friends to sit down and catch up! The pleasures here are more than simple. The coffee, which I opted for in a Red Bench mug was as perfect as the artisan treats in which I sampled. What really struck me though, was the community aspect, Red Bench Bakery much like Dunn Bros Coffee provides this opportunity to come together as a community and break bread. This chance to get to know our neighbors, business partners and new friends in a historical, beautiful building with the best baked goods around.

Red Bench Bakery is the brain child of Andy Mooney, who crafted his trade making artisan bread and pastries in hotels, restaurants, bakeries, local markets, and patisseries all around Minnesota. The beautiful Red Bench location served as the Chaska Bakery home from 1884 to 2009, so you are truly gifted with a piece of history every time you stop in.

I might be back for lunch because I’ve heard it’s pretty amazing but in the meantime we have 3 more new businesses downtown that I’m planning on checking out. I’m also open to any thoughts or feedback on other downtown Chaska businesses you want to know more about!

Chaska Bakery – Circa 1920

Red Bench Bakery – Circa 2018

#doitdowntown #downtownchaska #did #redbenchbakery

Join us every week as we stop and shop, eat or get to know a Downtown Chaska business! Perhaps you’ve wanted to know more about a specific business or just want to add your experience.

Either way stay tuned as we head out and about in downtown to show you more of the great things happening. Our first visit is happening tomorrow at the all new Red Bench Bakery, we’ve heard the buzz all over town about the Almond Croissant and are ready to dig in! Stay tuned for our next blog post and a Facebook live video of the beautiful space!

#downtownchaska #doitdowntown #did #redbenchbakery #finallyfriday