Going to the store to get groceries used to be difficult for Chris Govrik's family.

With four children including a 10-month-old, it is no surprise that the Mendota Heights family at one point turned to ordering groceries online as a solution. But after becoming disenchanted with next-day deliveries and other inconveniences, Govrik and his wife decided to create their own grocery-delivery service.

On Monday, the couple's online service, Go Go Grocery, opens for business, serving residents in Mendota Heights, Mendota and parts of St. Paul, West St. Paul and Eagan.

Customers choose the groceries and alcoholic beverages they want online. They also select when they want their items delivered.

Orders are faxed to Go Go employees at Korte's grocery store in St. Paul. Wines and spirits are kept for retrieval at a location in Mendota. Products can be delivered to customers within an hour.

"It works especially well for families with small children," Govrik said, adding later, "It's difficult to have to pack everyone up to leave, but for $4.95, you can have the groceries come to you."

It costs about $10 for immediate deliveries and $5 for scheduled deliveries, which can be up to a week in advance. Shoppers must purchase $35 worth of either groceries or wine and spirits. They can also select food from Buon Giorno Italian Market in Lilydale.

There are plans to expand the service into Minneapolis and other parts of Dakota County next year, Govrik said.

The business is online at www.gogogrocery.com.

Leeann Chin could get drive-through

Instead of standing in line, Eagan Leeann Chin customers could soon be able to drive up and grab their Mongolian chicken and Red Cherry frozen yogurt.

The Leeann Chin at 2071 Cliff Road got the nod from the city's advisory planning commission, which recommended that the business be allowed to add a drive-through window.

It has been a couple years since Leeann Chin took the place of Boston Market at the Cliff Road building which is located near Blockbuster Video.

According to a project report, construction could include a drive-through window on the west side of the building, a small building addition, a drive-through lane, a menu board, additional landscaping and a new sidewalk connection to the trail on Cliff Road.

The city council should vote on the proposal at its Tuesday meeting.

Chamber holiday luncheon

The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a holiday luncheon on Wednesday.

At the event, a chamber business member will be named "Business of the Year," and an individual will be named "Volunteer of the Year."

The Eastview High School Choir will perform excerpts from its holiday show.

The luncheon will take place at the Old Chicago restaurant at 14998 Glazier Av. in Apple Valley from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The program starts at 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $15 for chamber members.

Send an e-mail to leeann@applevalleychamber.com for more information.

Nicole Norfleet • 612-673-4495