Crews have begun work on a new McDonald's at 2601 Orleans St. in Stillwater and are on target for a mid-October opening, said owner Pat Duval.

Plans call for two drive-through lanes, a giant Playland and new digital menu boards. The restaurant will have about 75 seats in the dining room and about 28 in the Playland, Duval said. It will also have TVs, free Wi-Fi service and decor that incorporates aspects of Stillwater's history.

Duval said the McDonald's on Hwy. 36 in Oak Park Heights will be torn down and rebuilt. That project will commence in October.

COTTAGE GROVE

Famous Dave's eyes old KFC site The owner of a Famous Dave's franchise being forced to close his Burnsville location due to a road project has expressed interest in opening a Famous Dave's in the former Kentucky Fried Chicken building at 8479 East Point Douglas Road, city officials said.

The Cottage Grove Planning Commission could take a look at plans as early as this month or next, said Danette Park, the city's economic development director. A public hearing for a conditional use permit to allow for beer and alcohol sales would need to take place before the barbecue restaurant could open. If approved, Famous Dave's could be open by November.

Open house for new BEC The new Business Enterprise Center (BEC) is poised to open in the former City Hall, and officials want to show it off to citizens. They've scheduled an open house replete with tours, presentations and refreshments. Sessions are at 3 and 4:30 p.m.

The BEC at 7516 S. 80th St. is aimed at providing entrepreneurs affordable work space and supportive services to increase their chances for business success. For more information, call 651-458-2833.

STILLWATER

2012 Chamber Scholarship goes to Danielle Theis The Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce recently awarded its 2012 Chamber Scholarship to Danielle Theis of Stillwater.

Theis will be attending Marquette University in Milwaukee and plans to major in International Business.

Theis was vice president of the National Honor Society, captain of the swimming team, layout editor of the newspaper and played on the golf team while attending Stillwater Area High School.

Three from Stillwater Medical Group among 'Top Doctors' Three physicians who work with the Stillwater Medical Group were named to Mpls/St. Paul Magazine's list of "Top Doctors" for 2012.

Dr. Candy Corey, oncology, Dr. Laura Dean, obstetrics and gynecology, and Dr. Larry Morrissey, pediatrics, were included on the list, which was published in the magazine's July issue. Dr. Irshad Jafri, gastroenterology, who works for Health Partners but practices at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater, was also on the list.

The four doctors will be included on the website www.superdoctors.com, which lists the top doctors from more than 20 markets in the United States. This is the 16th year Mpls/St. Paul magazine has published a list of top local physicians.

TIM HARLOW

E-mail business news to harlow@startribune.com.