Bizbeat: Lakeville lands another McDonald's

Lakeville will land its third McDonald's as the burger giant won unanimous City Council approval last week to tear down the old Dino's Gyros and build a new restaurant on the northeast corner of Cedar Avenue and 179th Street.

The council approved a conditional use permit so McDonald's could build double drive-through lanes, officials said. It will be the city's second double drive-through, as McDonald's added a second lane last year at its location near Dodd Road and County Road 50.

The company is expected to apply for a building permit this spring, said Frank Dempsey, associate city planner.

In other restaurant news, Lakeville residents Nina and Mario Pelagalli have more than doubled seating at their two-year-old Casa Nostra Pizzeria & Ristorante Italiano at 20198 Heritage Drive, in Heritage Commons. In January they expanded into the adjacent space of Cornerstone Copy, which moved to downtown Lakeville. They obtained a full liquor license, expanded their bar and continue to focus on homemade traditional recipes. Live entertainment is provided Saturday nights and a tribute to Frank Sinatra is coming May 12. For a virtual tour, go to www.casanostramn.com.

Ribbon cuttings

Carmike Cinemas last Thursday unveiled a new 3D theater in Apple Valley's Carmike 15 at 15630 Cedar Av.

The new "BIGD" auditorium features a wall-to-wall screen measuring 80 feet wide and nearly three stories tall, the latest in surround sound and digital projection of both 2D and 3D features.

Apple Valley is welcoming CoraCove, which is hiring a few more employees, said CEO Chris Zweber. He said his company creates custom websites and mobile and tablet-based software applications for any size business. The company is located near Enjoy Restaurant at 15322 Galaxie Av.

The Guitar Shop opened on Robert Trail in downtown Rosemount last week. Owner Brad Wegner offers guitar lessons and repair and sale of used and new guitars for all skill levels. His website is mnguitarshop.com.

Rosemount plans to cut a ribbon Monday to celebrate the new location of MGM Liquor, now located at 15047 Crestone Av.

Jake's Discount Liquors opened its second store this month in Hastings. The 2,900-square-foot space is at 1608 Vermillion St., adjacent to a coin laundry. The business is owned by Rich Jacobson. He also owns a liquor store that opened last fall in Coates on Hwy. 52.

Farmington had a ribbon cutting last week for an expanded Magnificent Me Child Care center at 19645 Pilot Knob Road. It has an outdoor play area.

Burnsville also has added two new businesses.

Studio B Floral Design opened last week at 190 S. River Ridge Circle in the River Ridge Arts building, said Skip Nienhaus, city economic development coordinator. The florist specializes in floral arrangements and designs for weddings, special events and interior decor.

The city also has the Twin Cities' seventh location for Honest-1 Auto Care, an eco-friendly service. The shop, at 1014 W. County Road 42, offers a biodegradable motor oil made completely of renewable animal fats. It exceeds auto industry standards for practices that protect the environment, said co-owner Tom Dombrock.

The shop also has an Internet cafe for customers, children's play area, TV and complimentary coffee.

Credit union recognized

The award, started in 1989, acknowledges a chamber member that is less than five years old with 20 or fewer employees and a strong commitment to its community, employees, suppliers and customers. It also must seek excellence in service, friendliness and business ethics and operations. Community service is important to the credit union, said president Mary Matheson.

"We are actively involved with the River Heights Chamber, Neighbors Inc., Dakota County Animal Shelters, Toys for Tots and Credit Unions for Kids," she said.