Biz briefs: Builder, family will go to Haiti for quake aid

The owner of James Barton Design-Build of Apple Valley will travel to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, in December to build homes in the earthquake-ravaged city.

James Madsen, along with his family, will trek to the Caribbean island where the natural disaster killed hundred of thousands and left an estimated 1 million people homeless.

Madsen has secured sponsors for the trip but is seeking more. The Apple Valley resident wants to raise enough money to take toiletries, clothing and tools for people who need them.

The Builders Outreach Foundation of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities and the nonprofit group Worldwide Village Inc. are organizing the trip. Other Twin Cities builders plan to attend.

To make donations, call James Barton Design-Build at 952-431-1670 or mail checks to 5920 W. 148th St., Suite 100, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Make checks payable to James Barton Design-Build Haiti Relief.

Bowling for bucks

The Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce is switching the theme for an annual fundraiser in hopes of drawing more participants.

The cost of sponsorships ranges from $100 to $600. Proceeds will benefit the chamber's business education committee, which hosts teacher appreciation breakfasts, career fairs and other events at Lakeville's high schools.

Registration for the event begins at 5 p.m. with bowling from 6 to 8 p.m.

Officials will continue to host their annual May golf outing to raise money to support operations at the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call the chamber office at 952-469-2020.

Ready for business

Weng's Kitchen is scheduled to open at 115 Elm St. in the spot that once housed the New Moon Buffet.

Weng's Kitchen's owner, Tony Weng, has spent weeks remodeling and cleaning the restaurant since buying the space in June. Farmington City Council members approved a wine license for the restaurant last week. Weng opened the business with family members. A voicemail recording indicates that he is already serving takeout at the location.

Neighborhood restaurant?

A Twin Cities-area businessman is eyeing a site in the Fox Run neighborhood of Mendota Heights to open a bar and grill.

David Perkins is in talks to buy the Fischerville building at 2156 Dodd Road. City Council members approved a conditional liquor license for the location last week.