I know nothing of their situation at all, but I would find it hard to believe that the BT (or most any restaurant) would rebrand if it was making money. Not to say it never happens...
In this part of the world it does happen more than makes sense, usually when there are owners that have more money than they can spend and are bored. Since a full rebrand costs a fraction of what it does in the U.S., they just say eff it and give it a try.
Good news is it seems the food truck with the subs will continue. It’s not called ten by thirty anymore tho it appears.
Instagram @big10sub
Facebook:@BigTenSubs&Wings
The Big 10 died when they closed the one on campus. There was nothing like a sandwich out of their sandwich oven. The oven was old and was never cleaned. The site in Hopkins and if I recall a site on Hiawatha by the VA, both were a shadows of the one on campus.
Good news is it seems the food truck with the subs will continue. It’s not called ten by thirty anymore tho it appears.
Instagram @big10sub
Facebook:@BigTenSubs&Wings
Now I am curious if the owners wanted to step back a little and just run a food truck...
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Food Trucks are a tough business. Especially if you want to be more mobile and stretch your service area. You pretty much need a permit for each city you park and service. Plus sone cities have more rules and regulations than others.
Food Trucks are a tough business. Especially if you want to be more mobile and stretch your service area. You pretty much need a permit for each city you park and service. Plus sone cities have more rules and regulations than others.
I know they hit up LTD quite a few times, don't know about other places. Hopkins was STRICT on food trucks, and I think they realize that some of the trucks don't offer what restaurants have on Main St, and that was the biggest worry, as the city didn't want to hurt the restaurants on that stretch.
Back Channel has a food truck out there almost every day (if not every day), but there is also not a ton of places to eat by them.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
It’s interesting when you see a food truck what city permits the have on their food truck. Someone like Rebel Lobster have several. They are all over the metro. And some of the ones in the south metro have a couple suburbs and maybe Mpls or StP.
Plus I know some cities have a pricey price tag for the city permit. Though like you mentioned, several breweries who don’t have a kitchen and deals with food trucks. It’s a win win for both.
It's almost like they have "territories" like the cartels. 
"No, we can't go from SW suburbs to NW suburbs, that's so-and-so's territory."
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Food Trucks are a tough business. Especially if you want to be more mobile and stretch your service area. You pretty much need a permit for each city you park and service. Plus sone cities have more rules and regulations than others.
I know they hit up LTD quite a few times, don't know about other places. Hopkins was STRICT on food trucks, and I think they realize that some of the trucks don't offer what restaurants have on Main St, and that was the biggest worry, as the city didn't want to hurt the restaurants on that stretch.Back Channel has a food truck out there almost every day (if not every day), but there is also not a ton of places to eat by them.
Why would the city care if a food truck "hurts" brick and mortars over any other actual brick and mortar from a perspective of competition? imho that's cutting their nose off to spite their face. I'm not saying that wasn't the mentality, but if it was - woof.
Food trucks in the right place don't hurt overall local foot traffic, and when done right actually improve it.
I agree, and the town agreed, the City Council or whoever didn't agree for a long time. There are two "chain" restaurants on Main St in Hopkins, one is Chipotle, and the other is a local chain who owns 5-6 properties spread across the metro, under different names but same overall style, slightly different in ambience depending on the city they are in (Craft And Crew).
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Why would the city care if a food truck "hurts" brick and mortars over any other actual brick and mortar from a perspective of competition? imho that's cutting their nose off to spite their face. I'm not saying that wasn't the mentality, but if it was - woof.
Food trucks in the right place don't hurt overall local foot traffic, and when done right actually improve it.
I'm betting it has to do with paying property and liquor taxes. Taken to the extreme, if food trucks put restaurants out of business, that would negatively impact the community, create job loss, and reduce tax revenue. Politicians may be ignorant, but they're not stupid, obvious exceptions notwithstanding. 😆
It's almost like they have "territories" like the cartels.
Majority of them are buddy-buddy. Run in teams and support each other. You’ll see Rebel Lobster, Hockey Mom Brownies and something like a corn dog/pronto pup truck run and set up in teams. They are not competing against each other. All three are different styles of food. And by doing this, it draws a bigger crowd. Cause maybe one person in the car wants a lobster roll, the other would like a brownie and maybe the kids want pronto pups.
That caters to the point, though. It's as though: you have this space, so we'll take that space. Don't want to intrude on your customer base. Similar to craft breweries doing all these collabs. Let's succeed together.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Why would the city care if a food truck "hurts" brick and mortars over any other actual brick and mortar from a perspective of competition? imho that's cutting their nose off to spite their face. I'm not saying that wasn't the mentality, but if it was - woof.
Food trucks in the right place don't hurt overall local foot traffic, and when done right actually improve it.
I'm betting it has to do with paying property and liquor taxes. Taken to the extreme, if food trucks put restaurants out of business, that would negatively impact the community, create job loss, and reduce tax revenue. Politicians may be ignorant, but they're not stupid, obvious exceptions notwithstanding. 😆
Food trucks in Minnesota pay state and local sales taxes, income taxes, various licensing fees, and annual licensing for health and vehicle permits are also required.
Food trucks in Minnesota pay state and local sales taxes, income taxes, various licensing fees, and annual licensing for health and vehicle permits are also required.
The golden goose for local and state tax authorities is property tax. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Food trucks in Minnesota pay state and local sales taxes, income taxes, various licensing fees, and annual licensing for health and vehicle permits are also required.
The golden goose for local and state tax authorities is property tax. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
You can add that most these food trucks probably have an offsite kitchen for prep and storage. At least in Minnesota, you can't store or prep in a personal residence. It has to be a off site and the state comes in checks to make sure you are within code. A food truck isnt like some kid's Kool-Aid stand. They are somewhat expensive to run in ways and not so in other ways.
Food trucks in Minnesota pay state and local sales taxes, income taxes, various licensing fees, and annual licensing for health and vehicle permits are also required.
The golden goose for local and state tax authorities is property tax. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
You can add that most these food trucks probably have an offsite kitchen for prep and storage. At least in Minnesota, you can't store or prep in a personal residence. It has to be a off site and the state comes in checks to make sure you are within code. A food truck isnt like some kid's Kool-Aid stand. They are somewhat expensive to run in ways and not so in other ways.
My daughter in laws mother runs a food truck and like everything else, there's competition, costs, and regulation. There's no free lunch for a food truck operator
Why would the city care if a food truck "hurts" brick and mortars over any other actual brick and mortar from a perspective of competition? imho that's cutting their nose off to spite their face. I'm not saying that wasn't the mentality, but if it was - woof.
Food trucks in the right place don't hurt overall local foot traffic, and when done right actually improve it.
I'm betting it has to do with paying property and liquor taxes. Taken to the extreme, if food trucks put restaurants out of business, that would negatively impact the community, create job loss, and reduce tax revenue. Politicians may be ignorant, but they're not stupid, obvious exceptions notwithstanding. 😆
Food trucks in Minnesota pay state and local sales taxes, income taxes, various licensing fees, and annual licensing for health and vehicle permits are also required.
Each food truck needs a license (not the same as a permit). Some cities (like St. Paul) contract their licensing out to MN Department of health. Minneapolis has its own Department of Health. If you plan on having your food truck in both cities you need both of those licenses
Right, which means it's not free to operate. And property taxes are for the most part still being paid on brick and mortar buildings regardless if there's a vacant restaurant as a tenant.
Super official:
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
First full day back in MN and we went to Hot Grainz (Thai) in St. Paul today for lunch. Easily has one of the more authentic Thai menus and usage of authentic ingredients we've been to, with Amazing Thailand being right up there. Their Khao Soi was very nice, as was the Larb, boat noodles, Isan sausages and Tom Yum. Highly, highly recommend. Be careful with the spice level and add your own after serving if you're not a huge fan of spicy.
Their Khao Soi was very nice, as was the Larb, boat noodles, Isan sausages and Tom Yum.
Okay now you’re just making up words.
First full day back in MN and we went to Hot Grainz (Thai) in St. Paul today for lunch. Easily has one of the more authentic Thai menus and usage of authentic ingredients we've been to, with Amazing Thailand being right up there. Their Khao Soi was very nice, as was the Larb, boat noodles, Isan sausages and Tom Yum. Highly, highly recommend. Be careful with the spice level and add your own after serving if you're not a huge fan of spicy.
We had one ignorant fool in the beer group I'm in once say, "Asians don't like spicy food." A Korean-American in the group (really cool dude) gave a...stern lecture to the idiot. lol 
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
There’s a fine between spicy and hot. I want to enjoy my food and taste my food. I do like spicy, but sometimes spicy doesn’t like me. Spicy food for me is like rolling the dice/crapshoot in more ways than one.
This SHOULD key up to the time of the bit that is relevant (Indian food is spicy). If not, skip to 5:34 or so, but I will say the WHOLE bit is classic.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
There’s and Indian restaurant in the south metro. Great food, but they only have one bathroom for the fullest establishment. So I choose to play it smart with the over spicy/hot.
Went to Wildfire in Eden Prairie yesterday for Mother’s Day. Nothing special, just their normal menu. Not impressed one bit. Well over priced and the food was average at best. Though their onion rolls and butter were off the chart good.
Well crud the Downtowner Woodfire Grill is closing, Moe decided to retire.
One of my all time favorite places....
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Red Cow Uptown closing on June 1.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Bauhaus is closing too. Can't imagine what some of these businesses are paying in rent when relatively successful ventures are closing.
The alcohol business overall is wayyyyyyyy down. The young'ns are either not drinking at all, or doing the THC seltzers.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The alcohol business overall is wayyyyyyyy down. The young'ns are either not drinking at all, or doing the THC seltzers.
think its that plus your brick and mortar rent just doesn't make you enough margin. I mean shit look what they charge you for a beer at a restaurant vs a brewery vs buying a can. Unless you can sell an "atmosphere" and have enough foot traffic, you're going to get smoked at most of these places. Taproom profitability requires you to sell somewhere like 3 beers/customer right now.
The breweries that are succeeding right now have a built reputation, are the only game in town, and/or are brewpubs. The two I normally go to (Back Channel and LTD), the staff interacts with the customers HEAVILY, often know them by name, know their life (and vice versa) and are more "people you know" rather than employee/customer relationship. There is still that line, but that line is a little blurred, or has moved a bit into the more personal.The alcohol business overall is wayyyyyyyy down. The young'ns are either not drinking at all, or doing the THC seltzers.
think its that plus your brick and mortar rent just doesn't make you enough margin. I mean shit look what they charge you for a beer at a restaurant vs a brewery vs buying a can. Unless you can sell an "atmosphere" and have enough foot traffic, you're going to get smoked at most of these places. Taproom profitability requires you to sell somewhere like 3 beers/customer right now.
Think: Cheers tv show. That sort of thing.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Guessing it's either easier to own your own building or rent is way cheaper in some of those locations as well.
We went to the Yard House last night and every table was packed when I arrived at 5, and still was when I left at 6:30. Not bad for a Monday.
We went to the Yard House last night and every table was packed when I arrived at 5, and still was when I left at 6:30. Not bad for a Monday.
If I recall correctly, it's really busy during and just after the business day, and so-so in the later hours, even on weekends. That may have changed in recent years, though.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
We went to the Yard House last night and every table was packed when I arrived at 5, and still was when I left at 6:30. Not bad for a Monday.
If I recall correctly, it's really busy during and just after the business day, and so-so in the later hours, even on weekends. That may have changed in recent years, though.
Truth be told it's not a great location even for the West End. The only way to park nearby is the under-ground lot and you would have no idea it's there unless you were intentionally looking for it. That said they had a great beer selection and the food was quite good.
They used to have (testing my memory here) either duck or pheasant wings, although I believe it was duck. Phenomenal. Looks like they got rid of them, though. 🙁
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Stubs has been sold. Not sure who the new owners are, but I hope there will only be some minor changes and they keep the current feel of Stubs alive.
https://twitter.com/StubAndHerbs/status/2057835454032904300
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Stubbs social media sites have deleted the post about the current owners selling it to someone else. Not sure if that means anything other than it seems odd.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Stubbs social media sites have deleted the post about the current owners selling it to someone else. Not sure if that means anything other than it seems odd.
These kinds of real estate deals fall thru all the time, one party may just be playing hardball while they try to finalize terms, or the financing situation could’ve changed suddenly, etc. If that is the case, well they’ll definitely be able to find other buyers (assuming there’s not some major structural/land issue that was just uncovered now)
Stubbs social media sites have deleted the post about the current owners selling it to someone else. Not sure if that means anything other than it seems odd.
These kinds of real estate deals fall thru all the time, one party may just be playing hardball while they try to finalize terms, or the financing situation could’ve changed suddenly, etc. If that is the case, well they’ll definitely be able to find other buyers (assuming there’s not some major structural/land issue that was just uncovered now)
You would think that they would make sure that everything was in order before announcing something. Otherwise it would be like GPLers speculating on future recruits... 🤣
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
The Silver Diner in Springfield, Va (basically Washington DC). Eat my dinner and what my son couldn’t. Probably had a Top 5 dining experience I’ve ever had.
I had a pasta dish (grilled chicken, chicken andouille, ancho cream sauce, roasted corn leeks, queso fresco and cilantro).
My son had the salmon, yellow rice and mixed vegetables.
The pasta was nothing but amazing. And the salmon was probably the best prepared and cooked salmon I’ve ever had. Plus the prices were way beyond reasonable. Perkins type prices.
Went back to the Silver Diner for a late lunch. Still outstanding!!!
I had the crab cakes with lobster aujus and yellow and brown rice.
My son had the chicken strips with yellow and brown rice. He scarfed it down like he was in boot camp in the mess hall.
I told the staff we might be back for a late dinner since my wife is fly in to DC after dinner time. I try to hit different restaurants when I travel and try not to repeat places. Though this place is so good!!!
CT's Deli (half deli/half bar) in Rhinelander WI, all the yes. I ordered the mac'n'cheese w/bacon, $11, I swear it was a pound's worth. They had a shrimp boil, and a ton of options of sandwiches, tremendous.
Down the block, Pat's Tavern, had "tacos." It's one basket, one taco, and the basket is the size of a pull tab basket. That, along with the whiskey selection, um.....yeah.
Couple other places for drinks were fun (Pay To Play, Bucketheads), laid back-vibe. Big Daddy's, on the other hand, never again. Trash. Don't bother. Note: Pay By Play has a sort of arcade that looks really fun (skee-ball, basketball shot air hockey, etc).
Both places were super friendly, if you were on the rail, you were having conversations. Headed up there next month, so now I have ammo from this "scouting trip."
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
7 Brew Coffee opened in Apple Valley yesterday. I drove past it at 3 PM heading to church today. The line has to be close to 100 cars waiting. There’s signs and AVPD directing traffic. They expect traffic congestions through July 5th.
Lago Tacos is taking over the former 30 Bales/Big Ten space. Ugh. I hope it doesn't affect Nacho's (family owned, and awesome), which is just a couple blocks away.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Lago Tacos is taking over the former 30 Bales/Big Ten space. Ugh. I hope it doesn't affect Nacho's (family owned, and awesome), which is just a couple blocks away.
In my experience, Lago Tacos is just "ok". They seem to be doing well though.
7 Brew Coffee opened in Apple Valley yesterday. I drove past it at 3 PM heading to church today. The line has to be close to 100 cars waiting. There’s signs and AVPD directing traffic. They expect traffic congestions through July 5th.
Actually, got up went in sat in line at 7 Brew Coffee. Normally I'm not one to sit in line, just to try something. Though I was waiting for Sport Clips to open at 10 and I said to myself "why not". The line was about 40 minutes. They have a staff of about 20 or more taking orders and filling orders. I know for a fact that the city of Apple Valley has stepped in and told 7 Brew to run a tight ship with their lines. There are signs all over telling people where to go for 7 Brew and where to go for the other businesses near 7 Brew. And from my view, it's done pretty orderly. I asked the girl taking my order have people been nice. She said yes, but several have been rude about the wait. I don't get it... you get in line and complain when you know full and well it's a new coffee shop that everyone wants to try.
As for the coffee, it's good, not great. Would I go back, sure. Just not when the line is 40 minutes long or my wife tells me she has a craving for a coffee... lol!!!