After less than two years in business, the A&W off County Hwy. 56 in Inver Grove Heights has closed.

Hungry patrons who visit the restaurant are greeted with a sign on the window left by the owners:

"Sorry for the sad news that A&W had to close the doors. Your patronage has meant everything. You have been more than customers ... friends!"

The message goes on to thank customers for their support during this "trying time."

A phone number listed as belonging to owner Patrick Nickleson was not in service.

The Inver Grove Heights fast-food restaurant opened in the summer of 2009. Nickleson, who had been a corporate chef for a grocery store chain, had opened the restaurant with his wife, Patricia.

When it opened, Nickleson said in a press release, "A&W will rock the socks off Inver Grove consumers." Besides the restaurant on Buchanan Trail, Nickleson owned A&W sites in Little Canada, Pine Island and Coon Rapids. Those locations also have closed.

"We regret that the franchisee of these four locations failed to meet his financial obligations to A&W Restaurants, and after several failed attempts to resolve, we had no choice but to terminate his franchise agreements," said Rob Poetsch, a spokesman for Yum! Brands, which owns A&W.

Burnsville Center to get new floors

Nearly $3 million will be spent to update the floors at Burnsville Center.

The lower level will get tiles to replace its carpet and the upper floor will get new carpet, said Robbin Hahn, the center's general manager.

Shoppers can expect a sleeker and more contemporary look to the mall, she said.

"It's not a total renovation, but it will definitely change the look of the mall and really freshen things up," she said.

Renovation will begin in mid to late March and is expected to be complete by the end of August or early September, Hahn said.

All of the stores will remain open. Much of the work will be done at night, she said.

Hahn said she was excited to replace the carpet, which is more than eight years old and has begun to look dated. "I think it will be dramatic," she said of the change.

RSVP for Lakeville Chamber workshops

Learn about how to stay in contact with consumers during the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce's Constant Contact workshops.

On Feb. 22, guest speaker Jeff Ferrazzo will talk about "The Power of Marketing" and "Social Media Marketing Made Simple."

The seminars cost $20 apiece, or $25 to attend both. Lunch will be served. You must register for the seminars no later than Wednesday.

They will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brunswick Zone XL, 11129 162nd Street W.

For more information, contact Linda Rynda at the chamber at 952-469- 2020.

Nicole Norfleet • 612-673-4495