Bizbeat: Ansari's hopes to reopen within three months

When the news broke earlier this month that Ansari's Mediterranean Grill and Lounge in Eagan had caught fire, numerous fans of the family-run restaurant took to its Facebook page to offer their sympathies.

"My entire family has loved coming to your restaurant. Wishing you the best of luck moving forward from this," one person wrote.

"I'm going to miss going here. This is the spot for the suburbanites. Can't wait until you can rebuild," said another.

Ansari fans may have something to smile about.

The restaurant hopes to reopen within the next two to three months, said co-owner Ramsey Ansari.

After reviewing the damage from the Feb. 9 fire, the owners have concluded that they can stay at the restaurant's current location at 1960 Rahncliff Court, near Interstate 35E.

The fire appears to have been caused by a heating unit above the bathrooms, Ansari said. The attic was the only part of the building to actually burn, but there was also damage to the bathroom, bar, a few tables and his office, he said. There was also water damage to one of the televisions and the floor.

There's no concrete timeline about when the restaurant will reopen, but Ansari is in the beginning stages of cleanup. "We look forward to serving the community really soon," he said.

Two more Wal-Marts coming to Dakota County?

Wal-Mart soon could have seven Dakota County locations. The retailer is already set to open a store in Lakeville, and now it has signed a purchase agreement for a store in Burnsville.

Wal-Mart reportedly has agreed to purchase 29 acres at the southeast corner of Interstate 35W and Cliff Road. The store would be located at a site owned by the Luther Automotive Group, which is building a dealership close to Burnsville Center.

In Lakeville, an agreement has been signed to build a 150,000-square-foot store that will sell groceries along with other merchandise.

Wal-Mart currently has stores in Apple Valley, Eagan, West St. Paul, Hastings and Inver Grove Heights.

Senior housing complex coming to Apple Valley

Nonprofit senior housing company Ecumen is expanding its Apple Valley living options.

Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley will open on Tuesday. The senior housing development will offer 134 one- and two-bedroom apartments for seniors looking for independent or assisted living. There will also be 14 studio and one-bedroom apartments for those looking for memory care.

Ecumen community residents will have access to on-site amenities such as a movie theater, an arts studio and a salon with massage therapy.

"The Central Village neighborhood is growing into a vibrant multi-generational destination," said Julie Walton, housing manager of Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley. "We're extremely excited to be a part of it and to serve the greater Apple Valley community through a mix of services that empower seniors to stay in this great area," she said in a press release.

In Apple Valley, Ecumen already operates Ecumen Centennial House, which offers assisted living and memory care, and Ecumen At Home, which provides in-home services, both medical and non-medical.

For more information about Ecumen Seasons, call 952-698-5300 or visit www.seasonsapplevalley.org.