Tag: Bellecour

The Changing Face Of Wayzata’s Business Community, 2020 A Year Of Transition

October 6th, 2020

If you haven’t noticed, 2020 has been an unusual year for a plethora of reasons.

COVID-19 has turned everything upside down and the economic downturn further complicated matters.

Through all of this Wayzata’s business community has been in transition.

Businesses have moved or are in the process of moving out. Likewise there are other businesses moving in.

Of course this has happened in Wayzata for decades.

But 2020 feels different.

Bellecour Restaurant is one of the prominent businesses to leave town. It will be replaced with an Italian restaurant. Bellecour’s owner said it was a combination of the pandemic and the economy that closed the restaurant.

Meridian Manor went out of business after dozens of residents contracted COVID-19.

On April 18, the Minnesota Department of Health Emergency COVID-19 task force directed Meridian Manor to transition all 59 residents to other providers after some residents and staff members contracted COVID-19. At least two of the residents died from the disease.

Initially when the pandemic hit last spring, restaurants and other businesses were not allowed to be open. Later on, take-out was an option. Eventually, they were able to open their doors with restrictions.

But these businesses weren’t out of the woods yet. Several food establishments were forced to close temporarily when either employees or customers had tested positive for COVID-19. These include: The Wayzata Bar & Grill (Muni), Bellecour, Starbucks on Lake Street, Walgreens and the Wayzata American Legion.

Meanwhile, Merilou Boutique closed its doors in late August. L’More Chocolat has closed its Lake Street shop and relocated to downtown Minneapolis.

Lulu & Luigi will soon be replaced by Pacifier.

But change in the Wayzata business community is not all about businesses leaving town.

Grocer’s Table opened its doors earlier this year at the corner of Lake and Broadway.

Additionally, change is brewing at the Promenade.

Ownership is working with the city to allow more types of businesses to sign leases. In general, it has been difficult to entice businesses to move to the Promenade. A closer evaluation of zoning rules may help.

Eventually, those “for lease” signs around town will be taken down as new businesses make Wayzata their home.

It will be interesting to see how the complexion of the Wayzata business community changes in the coming months and into 2021.
Buon Appetito! – Source: Italian Restaurant Replacing Bellecour

September 23rd, 2020

Sources tell Wayzata.com that an Italian restaurant is moving into the property that recently housed Bellecour Restaurant.

Bellecour closed its doors in July after more than three years in business.

Wayzata’s Bellecour To Close Permanently

Owner Gavin Kaysen stated that the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic fallout contributed to the closing.

Wayzata.com has learned that several businesses expressed interest in the property, some identifying that Wayzata is a prime spot for an Italian restaurant.

The location has a storied history here in Wayzata.

The building was constructed back in 1920.

Through the years, the location served as a candy story, an auto dealer and several restaurants many may remember – Chouette, Muffuletta and Blue Pointe.

Details about the new restaurant are limited at this time, but it looks like doors could open in a few months.

Stay with Wayzata.com for the latest on this new business coming to town.
Wayzata Chamber Weathers COVID Storm

August 16th, 2020

COVID-19 has fundamentally changed what we do. The ripple effect of health and economic impacts has touched everyone.

Bellecour Restaurant, Wayzata

Local businesses have taken a big hit. Recently, Wayzata’s Bellecour Restaurant announced it closed its doors for example.

Other businesses are doing their best to stay afloat as they navigate COVID-related restrictions.

Chambers of commerce who support those local businesses have not been insulated from the jolt.

The Excelsior Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce has launched a program called “Help Save The Chamber” to raise funds. The organizations goal is to raise $130,000 by the end of the year. Community residents and businesses have rallied around the chamber holding fundraisers and making donations.

A big cause of the dire straits is the cancellation of annual events due to COVID-19. The revenue from these events fund a big chunk of a chamber’s budget.

The Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced that one of its biggest events and revenue generators, 2020 James J.Hill Days, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

“Events are an important contribution to our annual operating budget,” said Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce President Becky Pierson. “That said, revenue from our member dues along with other membership revenue is also critical. The two together cover 50/50 of our overall budget.”

Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce President Becky Pierson

Fortunately for Wayzata’s chamber, it has money to fall back on.

“We are utilizing current revenues and siphoning off cash reserves we have saved as a result of a 5-year strategic plan goal established several years ago to support the Chamber in case an event is cancelled or weather impacted an event.”

On Tuesday, the Wayzata City Council will consider approving an agreement with the Wayzata Chamber for temporary communications services through the end of the year.

If approved, the city would pay the chamber $4,000 per month to write and produce communications for the city.

The other piece of the revenue puzzle is membership dues.

Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce President Becky Pierson, Director of Community Events & Marketing Brooke Beyer, Director of Membership Services Kathy Peterson, Communications Coordinator Olivia Laskey

“Many businesses and members are having a hard time managing expenses,” said Pierson. “We have a broad and varied membership base of 400+ and each impacted differently. We are grateful when members have been able to renew their membership, we have also had new members join our chamber and when members are struggling we work with them on payment options.”

Of course, the challenges facing chambers is not isolated to the Lake Minnetonka area.

Darren Noble Executive Director of the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce

“Many businesses impacted by COVID-19 have had to reduce staff size & hours, and unfortunately we’ve had to as well,” said Darren L. Noble Executive Director of the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce. “Our Chamber, which serves four communities (Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, and Victoria) reduced its staff size this past May; however, we continue to be mission-focused and eager to help businesses through this challenging period.”

Anne Yoder, Senior Director, Communications, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

“We work with the entire network of local chambers throughout the state,” said Anne Yoder, Senior Director, Communications, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “Since the onset of COVID-19, they have pivoted their services and events to meet the needs of their members, by providing resources and connections to funding, and shifting in-person events to virtual where possible. As chambers and their members focus on surviving the pandemic and resulting Executive Orders, they understand that budgets will be tighter.”

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce organized the MinnesotaReady Coalition. This group of chambers advocate for common interests to elected officials. It is an effort to make sure businesses are represented in the decision making on reopening Minnesota’s economy. Wayzata’s chamber is a member of the coalition.

“COVID-19 has had fundamental impacts on our economy – some businesses will not survive, some will change their business products or functions to meet COVID needs to adjust for a remote workforce,” said Yoder. “But the fundamental operations of a chamber have remained the same in the 100+ years that the industry has existed: To provide a voice for business, support and connections for the business community as a whole. The strong chamber network that exists in Minnesota will continue to provide high caliber return on investment for all of their members.”

“Chambers of Commerce are vital to their communities and worth the investment; our Chamber’s mission is to serve and strengthen our member businesses as a community partner and resource,” said Noble. “We stimulate the local economy through programs, events, and services that promote business activities and encourage entrepreneurs. Also, we advocate for a pro-business climate and strong economic vitality via our relationships with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, local/state/federal elected officials, and community leaders.”

“Our Mission remains our focus, to be a positive force in the Community; promoting, connecting and supporting our members, “said Pierson.

Tag: Bellecour

The Changing Face Of Wayzata’s Business Community, 2020 A Year Of Transition

Buon Appetito! – Source: Italian Restaurant Replacing Bellecour

Wayzata Chamber Weathers COVID Storm