WAYZATA — One of Minnesota’s most beloved winter traditions returns to the ice next month as the Wayzata Chilly Open tees off on Wayzata Bay Saturday, Feb. 7, marking its 41st year of turning the frozen surface of Lake Minnetonka into a full-scale celebration of winter, community, and creativity.
What began four decades ago as a quirky mid-winter diversion has grown into the largest and most well-known golf tournament played on ice anywhere in the world. Each year, more than 2,000 participants from near and far bundle up, don themed costumes, and take to the lake to putt tennis balls across four imaginative nine-hole courses using golf clubs and hockey sticks.
This year’s theme — Live from Wayzata… It’s the Chilly Open! — draws inspiration from Saturday Night Live, encouraging teams to lean into comedy, characters, and over-the-top flair. Golfers can register as a traditional foursome or assemble larger crews of 20 or more, transforming the bay into a lively stage of laughter and friendly competition.
Chilly Open
Tee times are scheduled for 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., with limited tickets available. Amateur golfers may register for $60, while Pro tickets are $115. All participants receive a signature Chilly Open hat and unlimited chili throughout the day.
Following their round, golfers and spectators alike are invited into the heated 19th Hole Tent for live music by PowerTap and the always-anticipated Chili Cookoff. More than 10 local restaurants will compete, with entries judged by a panel that includes Twin Cities food personalities, local chefs, and Wayzata Mayor Andrew Mullin.
The festivities extend well beyond the ice. The day begins with free Snowga — snow yoga — at 9 a.m., offering an energetic and lighthearted start to the morning. As the sun sets, the celebration continues throughout downtown Wayzata, where restaurants and bars host after-parties, inviting visitors to dine, shop, and linger as part of this signature winter weekend.
Presented by the Wayzata West Metro Chamber, the Chilly Open is supported by a wide range of local and regional sponsors and volunteers who help make the event possible year after year.
Tickets and event details are available at WayzataChillyOpen.com. Updates, photos, and announcements can also be found on the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Wayzata is set to celebrate Halloween in style next weekend with a full day of community fun. Two beloved events — the Boo Bash Dash and Boo Blast — return on Saturday, October 26, bringing festive spirit, family activities, and a few friendly road closures to downtown Wayzata.
Boo Bash Dash: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Now in its 7th year, the Boo Bash Dash will once again fill the streets of Wayzata with costumed runners and cheering spectators. The certified race lineup includes a 10K, 5K, Lake Street Mile, and a Family Fun Run — each beginning and ending near the Great Lawn on The Promenade.
Image courtesy Wayzata Chamber.
Participants can compete for cash prizes awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the Lake Street Mile. Festivities throughout the morning include costume contests, pie-eating contests, and the always-popular Pumpkin Derby.
Traffic advisory: Expect partial road closures along westbound Lake Street, from Engel Street to Ferndale Road, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes during the event.
Boo Blast: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Immediately following the races, Wayzata’s annual Boo Blast invites families to enjoy a trick-or-treat stroll through the city’s downtown shops and businesses.
Image courtesy Wayzata Chamber.
Hosted by the Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce, Boo Blast has been a community favorite for over 15 years, offering children a safe and spirited way to enjoy Halloween. Local businesses are encouraged to display the event poster in their windows to show they’re open for trick-or-treaters.
Highlights include festive stops throughout downtown and special activities at Lunds & Byerlys in Colonial Square, where costumed kids can enjoy crafts and treats.
Contact & More Information
For questions, contact the Wayzata Chamber office at 952-473-9595 or Event details, race registration, and more are available online through the Chamber’s official event page: https://boobashdash.wayzatawestmetrochamber.com
As the leaves fall and pumpkins glow, Wayzata once again proves that Halloween on the lake is more treat than trick — and everyone’s invited.
Sarah Kaelberer, Mark Rue, Steve Youngstedt, and Andy Mullin.
At the October 7 Wayzata City Council meeting, Sarah Kaelberer of Business and Estate Advisors, representing the Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce, presented the Exceptional Customer Service Award to Youngstedt’s in recognition of their long-standing commitment to local patrons and community service.
Kaelberer shared excerpts from customer nominations that highlighted the family-owned business’s trusted reputation. “One customer said these guys have kept their 2006 Toyota running—why you’d admit that to someone, I don’t know, but they were very proud of it,” she said with a smile. Another patron noted having six different vehicles serviced over the years, all with Youngstedt’s.
Accepting the award were Mark Rue and Steve Youngstedt, representing a business that has operated in Wayzata for more than four decades. Mayor Mullin noted that the shop is not only known for quality automotive care but also for its civic spirit—often among the first to sponsor local events and lend support to community causes.
Mark Rue, Sarah Kaelberer, & Steve Youngstedt,
Rue drew a laugh from the crowd when he acknowledged that “you don’t necessarily want to be at Youngstedt’s,” since a visit usually means something’s wrong with your car—but he said that’s exactly why they focus on taking care of people. “We’re here to help when you need it,” he said, emphasizing that trust, familiarity, and a personal touch are what turn a stressful situation into a positive experience.
Mark Rue.
Following applause from the audience, the council paused for a group photo with the recipients before proceeding with the evening’s agenda.
Wayzata’s lakeshore will come alive September 5–7 as the community gathers for the 51st annual James J. Hill Days, a celebration that honors the town’s history while showcasing its vibrant present. Organized by the Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce, the festival is expected to draw more than 80,000 visitors to Lake Street and downtown Wayzata, where music, food, family fun, and history meet on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.
The Empire Builder’s Legacy
The railroad first reached Wayzata in 1867 with the St. Paul & Pacific line, linking the village to Minneapolis and St. Paul. More than a decade later, James J. Hill took over the struggling railroad and expanded it into the Great Northern, securing Wayzata’s place along a transcontinental route. Known as the “Empire Builder,” Hill championed the power of rail to shape communities. For Wayzata, that meant the arrival of summer tourists, thriving commerce, and ultimately the construction of the iconic Wayzata Depot—a landmark that still stands as a testament to the city’s rail era.
The festival bearing his name, founded in 1975, has grown into a regional tradition. Each September, Wayzata’s downtown transforms into a living reminder of its past—yet with a decidedly modern flair.
Music, Food, and Fireworks
Festivities begin Friday, September 5 at 5 p.m. with live music on the Sandvold Stage at Minnetonka and Lake Street. The weekend lineup includes acts like Private Oates, Stereo Kitchen, High & Mighty, Powertap, and Taylor Robert with Roll N Soul, along with family favorites like Dance Esteem and ACES & 88’s Dueling Pianos.
Submitted image.
The Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival, also Friday evening, offers unlimited tastings from 25 breweries paired with live music by Coyote Wild. Foodies can explore more than 20 food trucks along the festival corridor. That same evening, families will gather on the Great Lawn for a free outdoor screening of Cars, featuring Lightning McQueen presented by Wayzata Sailing.
Submitted image.
Carnival rides will run all weekend along the lakeshore: Friday 5–10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Discounted tickets are available at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata until Thursday, September 4.
Wayzata Traditions, Old and New
Submitted image.
Some of James J. Hill Days’ most beloved traditions return for 2025:
The Grand Parade, Sunday at 3 p.m., will close the festival with marching bands, floats, and community groups.
Dachshund Races and Costume Contest, Saturday from 12–2 p.m., following the Lake Walk Pack Walk at 10 a.m..
The Coaster Cart Derby, a throwback to small-town Americana, Saturday morning 9am -12:30pm on the hill by Broadway Avenue.
The T-6 Thunder Airshow, Sunday at 2:45 p.m., with vintage aircraft flying over Wayzata Bay.
Guided Historical Walking Tours, hosted by the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, weaving tales of the Dakota people, early settler Oscar Garrison, the grand hotel era, and the city’s railroad years.
At every turn, the festival nods to Wayzata’s layered story: from Dakota homelands to steamboat docks, from James J. Hill’s rail line to today’s thriving lake community.
A Marketplace by the Water
The James J. Hill Days Street Market will bring 175 vendors to Lake Street, offering everything from handcrafted goods to local foods (Friday 5–9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.). New in 2025, festivalgoers can sample free pizza at the Frigidaire Platinum Sponsor Showcase, featuring the launch of the Frigidaire Gallery Range with Stone-Baked Pizza Mode.
For athletes, the Battle of the Paddles Pickleball Tournament returns September 6–7 at the Wayzata Depot Pickleball Plaza, while boat lovers can enjoy free rides on Lake Minnetonka, courtesy of Your Boat Club, on Saturday from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Panoway and the Lakewalk: Wayzata’s Front Porch for Festival Weekend
During James J. Hill Days, the Panoway on Wayzata Bay and its Lakewalk become a natural gathering place for the community. Visitors take in views of Lake Minnetonka, stop along the shoreline to enjoy food and music, or simply wander the open spaces with family and friends.
The Lakewalk offers a direct connection to the same waterfront once lined with steamboat docks and railway depots. Today, it reflects both Wayzata’s history and its future, framing the festival with panoramic lake views that remind everyone why this town has long been a place to come together.
Community Spirit
At its heart, James J. Hill Days is about more than music and markets. It’s about community pride. Organized by the Chamber and supported by dozens of local sponsors—including presenting partner Sandvold Financial Group—the festival is staffed by volunteers who keep the three-day event free and welcoming.
Wayzata’s tradition of gathering at the water’s edge is centuries old. From Dakota encampments to steamboat arrivals, from Gilded Age summer cottages to today’s bustling main street, the town has always been defined by shared moments on the shore. James J. Hill Days carries that forward, reminding residents and visitors alike that Wayzata is both historic and alive, rooted and rising.
For the full schedule, visit JamesJHillDays.com or follow @jamesjhilldays.
Former City Manager Jeff Dahl and current Mayor Andrew Mullin spoke at the March Business Council Meeting. File photo.
The Wayzata West Metro Chamber’s newest initiative is back for its second session. The Wayzata Business Council, launched earlier this year in partnership with the City of Wayzata, will meet again on Thursday, continuing its mission to connect local employers directly with city leaders.
The semi-annual forum is open to all Wayzata-based business professionals and owners. There is no cost to participate, and Chamber membership is not required.
“We are pleased to partner with the City of Wayzata in bringing this program to our Wayzata-based business professionals or business owners,” the Chamber said in announcing the program .
At the upcoming session, Acting City Manager Mike Kelly will deliver general city updates, while Mayor Andrew Mullin will address key issues. Topics may include the City’s proposed food and beverage sales tax, development activity, public safety initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
The first Business Council meeting in March focused on growth pressures and development challenges, drawing a strong turnout. This second gathering builds on that foundation and offers another chance for employers to hear directly from city leadership.
Thursday’s meeting will be hosted at Fina’s, the coffee shop inside Josefina on Lake Street, with light breakfast and beverages provided by the City of Wayzata.
Wayzata’s signature festival returns September 5–7 with road closures, large crowds, and opportunities for engagement
WAYZATA — The Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce is calling on downtown businesses to get ready for the 51st Annual James J. Hill Days event, which will bring an estimated 80,000 visitors to the city September 5–7.
In a letter sent to local merchants, the Chamber outlined detailed road closure schedules, parking adjustments, and event site plans to help shops, restaurants, and service providers prepare for the busy weekend. The message also encouraged business owners to share festival information with their staff, customers, and clients, and to consider taking part in the parade or other activities.
The Chamber’s letter notes that Lake Street closures will be staged west to east, starting Wednesday, September 3, at 3 p.m. from Edgewood Court to Barry Avenue. Additional sections — from Barry Avenue to the PURALIMA/Crisp & Green parking lot — will close early Friday, September 5, for the Street Market and stage setup. All roads are expected to reopen by 6 a.m. Monday, September 8.
Signage will help direct motorists to open access points, including Ferndale Road for west-end businesses. Parking will be available in side streets, the Carisch Ramp, The Promenade, and the Mill Street Parking Ramp.
Festival Highlights
The weekend will feature live music, beer and wine tents, food trucks, and a Street Market. The parade, a long-standing tradition, will begin Sunday at 3 p.m., starting at Lake Street and Superior Boulevard and ending near City Hall.
While the Beach Bash concerts won’t be held this year, Friday night’s Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival will take place at The Wayzata Depot grounds.
The Chamber emphasized that James J. Hill Days is both a celebration and an economic opportunity for Wayzata, rooted in the city’s history as a Lake Minnetonka hub. “Let’s make our visitors feel welcome,” the letter read, urging merchants to embrace the weekend’s influx of visitors.
Full event schedules, maps, and parking information are available at JamesJHillDays.com.
WAYZATA — The Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce has officially announced the return of the Wayzata Art Experience (WAE) for 2025, promising more artists, more live music, and an expanded footprint for one of Lake Minnetonka’s signature summer festivals.
Set for Saturday and Sunday, June 22–23, the annual event will once again transform downtown Wayzata into a vibrant, walkable gallery by the water. Lake Street will close to traffic and open to the community, with more than 150 juried artists expected to showcase their work in media ranging from ceramics and woodwork to photography, jewelry, and fine painting.
“This is one of our premier events, and each year it grows in both participation and community impact,” said Becky Pierson, President of the Wayzata Area Chamber. “We’re especially excited about the enhancements in 2025—including extended music programming, additional interactive art stations, and a larger footprint along the newly revitalized Panoway.”
What began in 2006 as a modest sidewalk showcase has evolved into a full-fledged destination festival. Now in its 19th year, the Wayzata Art Experience draws thousands of visitors from across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. The weekend offers live performances by local and regional musical acts, a curated food truck court, beer and wine garden, interactive art for kids, and beloved features like the vintage wooden boat exhibition and exotic car show.
This year’s event will continue to make use of the Lakewalk and broader Panoway project—a multi-phase revitalization effort transforming Wayzata’s waterfront into a pedestrian-friendly public space. The Lakewalk, a timber boardwalk along Wayzata Bay, provides a scenic route for visitors to stroll between art exhibits, live music stages, and lakeside seating areas. Just steps from the festival, visitors can admire sailboats, sip a cocktail, or relax in the town’s new civic gathering spaces that blend heritage with modern design.
Wayzata’s setting on Lake Minnetonka has always made it a cultural anchor on the west side of the metro. Home to acclaimed restaurants like CōV, Gianni’s Steakhouse, 6Smith, and Baja Haus, Wayzata offers fine dining and casual lakeside patios just steps from the art booths. Shoppers can explore high-end boutiques, Minnesota-made goods, and seasonal florals throughout the walkable downtown.
The Chamber expects record-breaking attendance this year, buoyed by the festival’s reputation and the rising allure of Wayzata as both a weekend destination and a place to call home.
“Wayzata is more than just a location—it’s a feeling,” said Pierson. “The Wayzata Art Experience captures the heart of our community: creative, welcoming, and always rooted in the beauty of the lake.”
Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Parking and shuttle information, along with artist lineups and event maps, will be available at wayzatachamber.com as the event approaches.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, the Wayzata Art Experience is a chance to see the town at its best—colorful, connected, and alive with inspiration.
Mayor Andrew Mullin, Terri Huml, Sarah Keller of Business and Estate Advisors, and Annalise Huml. Image courtesy City of Wayzata.
WAYZATA — The Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Business and Estate Advisors, presented its May 2025 Exceptional Service Award to Terri Huml-Fox and the team at Gianni’s Steakhouse, recognizing decades of outstanding service to the Wayzata community.
Presented during a recent city council meeting, the award celebrates businesses that exemplify exceptional dedication to customer experience and community engagement. Gianni’s, often described as the “crown jewel of Lake Street,” was praised for its consistent excellence—whether guests are enjoying a casual happy hour, a milestone celebration, or a private event next door at One Door West.
“There were a number of us on the nominating committee who said, ‘Surely they’ve won before,’” said Sarah Keller, speaking on behalf of the Chamber and Business and Estate Advisors. “But surprisingly, they had not. It’s truly our honor to recognize Gianni’s for the quality and consistency they bring to every experience.”
Accepting the award alongside her daughter Annalise, owner Terri Huml-Fox reflected on the upcoming milestone of 30 years in business.
“This honor reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire team,” Huml-Fox said. “Gianni’s is woven into the fabric of this community. I live here, own a business here, and proudly participate in community life. We are genuinely honored.”
Gianni’s, overlooking Wayzata Bay, has long been a mainstay for locals and visitors alike. Known for its classic steakhouse fare, warm hospitality, and timeless ambiance, the restaurant has become a gathering place for both everyday dining and life’s most memorable occasions.
Huml-Fox closed her remarks with a signature note of gratitude and humility: “Thank you for your support, and for this great honor.”
The Exceptional Service Award is one of the Chamber’s most meaningful recognitions, spotlighting businesses that go above and beyond in shaping the community experience in Wayzata.
Leaders from the business community gathered at City Hall this morning. Attendees included representatives from 6Smith, The American Legion, Wayzata Bar & Grill, the Wayzata Chamber, and commercial property owners.
Wayzata business leaders gathered Wednesday morning at City Hall for an early discussion on a potential 1% food and beverage sales tax, a concept the city is exploring as part of a long-term funding strategy to maintain public safety and park operations. The session was part of a renewed effort to engage business owners before any legislative request is made.
Mayor Andrew Mullin opened the meeting with a frank acknowledgment of past mistakes. “Nobody likes to be taxed. Nobody likes to have their ticket price increased,” Mullin said. “But my hope is that when you listen to Mr. Parkhill and you listen to our staff, you understand sort of how we might use those funds.”
He added that the city’s previous attempts to pursue such a tax “just didn’t do a very good job of actually talking to people,” noting that some businesses only learned of it “at the Capitol, which is not the right way for the city to conduct its business.”
Jeff Parkhill speaks.
City Council Member Jeff Parkhill, who has served since 2022, emphasized the impact of visitors on local infrastructure. “We have an estimated 5,300 people who are employed in Wayzata. We only have 4,500 residents,” he said. “Ninety percent of the credit card swipes at our restaurants… are from people from outside [Wayzata].” Parkhill described the tax as “very much a scalpel versus a machete — we are hitting the people who are benefiting from our community.”
City Manager Jeff Dahl explained the financial rationale, citing estimates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue that a 1% food and beverage tax could generate approximately $720,000 per year. “That’s about 10% of our current property tax levy,” Dahl said. “It’s a significant impact that could dramatically offset or reduce what we have to levy in property taxes.”
The city outlined a proposed breakdown of how the funds would be used:
The majority would go to public safety operations, including police staffing.
A portion would support maintenance of public parks, such as Panoway and Klapprich.
Approximately $50,000 would be set aside annually for business retention or promotion, with staff seeking business input on how to shape that support.
Another $50,000 could be earmarked for future park capital needs.
Deputy City Manager Aurora Yager emphasized transparency, noting that this meeting was part of a broader engagement process that included a March business council discussion and a follow-up session for residents on May 15. Yager clarified that the city has not submitted any formal request and that a state-imposed moratorium remains in effect through the end of 2025. Even if lifted, multiple steps would be required: a city council vote, legislative approval, and potentially a public referendum, meaning any implementation would be unlikely before mid-2027.
Aurora Yeager, Deputy City Manager speaks to attendees.
Reaction from Restaurants
Angel Luna, partner at 6Smith, expressed cautious support for the proposal. “The 1% makes sense. We’re supportive. We just want to make sure that the money is used correctly,” he said. Luna recalled his first city meeting in 2014, when Wayzata was actively trying to establish itself as a destination. “There was nothing going on. Now you have it,” he said. “Restaurants have had a big impact on the city.”
Luna raised one concern from previous discussions: whether the city had used outdated sales data from 2021 — when restaurants were still operating under COVID-related capacity limits — to estimate the tax’s revenue potential. “Back in the day we were using sales from 2021 when we were still at 50% capacity,” Luna said. “We were doing $9.75 million — now we’re at $13 million. Is that 1% really an accurate number?”
Mayor Mullin and staff acknowledged the need for better data, but noted that even conservative projections indicate that most of the burden would fall on non-residents. Mullin also responded to concerns about using tax proceeds for parks, describing conversations with state legislators that changed his view. “I had a very similar point of view before I started talking to some of the legislators at the Capitol,” he said. “Our bonding request was framed by our Democratic senator and Democratic House representative. The argument for Republicans is spending money for jobs. The argument for Democrats is making it a regional destination for open space… That was an education for me.”
Destination Promotion
As part of the discussion, City Manager Jeff Dahl asked business owners to consider how a portion of the proposed revenue—approximately $50,000 annually—could be reinvested to support the local business community. He invited suggestions on how those funds might be used for marketing, business retention, or other initiatives that benefit restaurants and retailers, suggesting possibilities like supplemental funding for the Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce or broader promotional efforts.
Dahl emphasized the opportunity to strengthen Wayzata’s brand as a regional destination, a vision first articulated more than a decade ago and now central to the city’s identity. “We want to hear your wish list,” he said, noting the city’s interest in strategies that enhance foot traffic, sustain downtown vitality, and reinforce Wayzata’s appeal to both residents and visitors.
License Payment Timing Changes
To address prior concerns, city staff also logged a request from earlier this year to re-time annual liquor license payments so that they align with seasonal cash flow — potentially moving the due date from slower winter months into peak summer revenue periods.
In closing, Mullin invited further input, “We’re not saying this is the only way to do it. If you have better ideas, we’re all ears.”
The next session, focused on resident perspectives, will be held Thursday, May 15 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Editor’s Note: As discussions continue about how to promote Wayzata and support local businesses, it’s worth noting that Wayzata.com—by name, design, and purpose—already functions as a digital front door to Wayzata. With trusted editorial content and a growing regional audience, it offers a ready-made platform for consistent, high-quality promotion rooted in Wayzata’s brand identity. We believe there’s meaningful opportunity for the city, the Chamber and the business community to align around a shared strategy—and we welcome the conversation, while fully maintaining our journalistic integrity.
City Manager Jeff Dahl and Mayor Andrew Mullin at the first ever Wayzata Business Council.
Wayzata has long been a destination city, attracting visitors with its thriving restaurant scene, lakeside charm, and business-friendly environment. But as the community grows, so do the demands on public services, infrastructure, and public safety.
At the first-ever Wayzata Business Council meeting on March 20, 2025, City Manager Jeff Dahl and Mayor Andrew Mullin addressed local business leaders, outlining the city’s economic trajectory, current development projects, and the financial challenges that come with success. The event was hosted by the Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce, although membership was not required for attendance.
Development and the Evolving Landscape of Wayzata
City Manager Jeff Dahl provided an overview of key developments shaping Wayzata’s business district. From long-anticipated projects breaking ground to pending proposals, he underscored the impact of ongoing growth.
In discussing the Promenade commercial space, Dahl stated, “We expect some of those vacancies to fill up,” highlighting the progress on long-vacant spaces.
Dahl also briefly summarized key developments underway in Wayzata:
Wells Fargo Redevelopment – A transformative project adding 70 residential units, including townhomes and apartments along Superior Boulevard.
201 Lake Street – A 30-unit condo development replacing the old Coldwell Banker Burnet building, led by developer Lowell Zitzloff.
Moments of Wayzata – A modern senior living facility set to replace Meridian Manor, addressing the need for updated housing options for older residents.
Lamborghini Dealership – A major proposal at Wayzata Boulevard and Central Avenue, replacing a long-abandoned gas station with a high-end showroom.
Dahl emphasized that while new developments enhance Wayzata’s vibrancy, they also place increased demand on public works, police presence, and infrastructure maintenance.
“We’ve got Panoway, we’ve got successful business development happneing, a lot of new restaurants, and a lot of people with the pandemic and unrest in the central cities. We have seen a shift of activity from Minneapolis to other area like Wayzata. We are popular, and people want to be here,” he explained.
“It’s not without a cost, because of the activity, our public works crews are out more often cleaning.” To manage these growing demands, city leaders have been forced to examine new revenue streams—one of which may be a local food and beverage sales tax.
The Financial Reality: Rising Costs & Tax Pressures
Mayor Andrew Mullin took the stage to provide historical context on Wayzata’s financial challenges that began in 2008.
Mullin reflected on his 17 years in and out of local politics, recalling how the city deliberately sought to attract independent restaurants and create a welcoming environment for visitors.
Mullin stated, “…the two things we focused on to revitalize downtown were the Panoway project, which started as a small initiative, and attracting independently owned restaurants by making it easy for them to set up here, open their doors, and create inviting spaces with beautiful patios and great food.”
That strategy has undeniably succeeded, but it has also led to rising costs in maintaining public safety and infrastructure.
With property tax levies up 40% over the past four years, commercial property owners—who pass these costs on to tenants—are feeling the squeeze.
Mullin addressed how the increasing need for public safety funding has grown, “…the current trend in generating revenue to fund police services is not sustainable.”
Why a Sales Tax?
To help alleviate this financial strain, Wayzata is considering a food and beverage sales tax, which would capture revenue from visitors rather than solely taxing property owners and businesses.
Mullin acknowledged concerns but pointed to Excelsior’s existing local area sales tax as an example, noting that it has not deterred customers or hurt businesses there.
The mayor used his own property assessment to highlight the issue, noting that under the proposed food and beverage tax, he would need to spend $30,000 in downtown Wayzata to match his annual and recurring $144 property tax increase.
“For context, at a half percent, $100 is fifty cents… and for a $10,000 wedding bill, it’s fifty dollars,” he said. “So we don’t think it’s significant pass-through to the person visiting or buying food and beverage in Wayzata.”
Mullin also clarified that the city cannot impose this tax at this time, “We currently have no ability to implement it. The legislature will not allow any city to impose a sales tax on its own at this time, and we don’t yet know how it will unfold.”
While the plan is not yet approved, Wayzata leaders are actively engaging businesses to gather input before moving forward.
Next Steps & Business Input
Mullin made it clear that city leadership wants to hear from business owners before taking any further action.
“We owe it to you to hear your concerns,” he told the crowd. “If 6Smith and the Hotel Landing and Red Cow and CoV and who else is here in the food and beverage [industry]… if I don’t hear from you, I’m going to be disappointed.” He also indicated he has reached out personally to each restaurant in town.
With additional town halls and business forums planned, Wayzata officials aim to ensure that any revenue solution benefits both the city and its business community—without placing an undue burden on the very entrepreneurs who have made Wayzata a success.
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