Biz briefs: CherryBerry yogurt bar to open in Woodbury

Already popular on East and West coasts, self-service frozen yogurt bars are now popping up in the Midwest, including in Woodbury where a CherryBerry store will open in March.

The shop, which will operate in Tamarack Village, is one of four CherryBerry locations planned for the metro area. The others are in Shakopee, Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park, said Chris Holland, owner of the Woodbury franchise.

At CherryBerry stores, customers make their own treats by mixing and matching from the 30 to 50 rotating fat-free flavors. They simply grab a cup and start mixing. Once finished, they can step to the toppings bar and add specialty items such as granola, cereals, fresh fruits, candies and sprinkles to finish their creations. Prices are determined by weight.

The Woodbury store will have Wi-Fi and TVs. It also will have a party room, Holland said.

MasterTech Auto may be movingThe Newport City Council has given the green light to Bruce Timm to proceed with plans to remodel a former Holiday gas station and turn it into a new home for MasterTech Auto & Tire.

Timm currently operates his foreign and domestic auto repair and tire sales shop in a garage he leases at 727 20th St. He has worked at that location since he opened the business in July 2003. Timm said he wants to buy the building at 1206 Hastings Av. so he can own his own shop.

With the city's approval, he can secure bank financing, he said. That could happen as soon as this week, he said. Once that happens, and he gets the final bid from a contractor, construction will begin.

Water Street Inn honoredThe Minnesota Lodging Association named Water Street Inn as Property of the Year in the 50 rooms or fewer category during its annual awards ceremony in December. The association, which is the professional trade association for lodging operators in the state, presents the award to properties that provide outstanding customer service and distinguish themselves as leaders in the community. The Water Street Inn is the former Lumber Exchange building at 101 S. Water St.

TIM HARLOW