Front of building of Millside Tavern

Millside Tavern

The EDA visited Millside Tavern on Oct. 23, 2024. 

Prior to the meeting Becky Berning, co-owner of Millside Tavern with her husband Scott, gave a tour of the business. Berning wove a story of family, history, and community that marks the restaurant/tavern as a unique gem for both old and new St. Michael residents.

History

The story begins with the first Anthony Berning and his family settling near the original Catholic Church in St. Michael along the banks of the Crow River in 1855. Anthony bought the land where the old church stood and established a small farm in 1866 when a new Catholic Church was built. Anthony and his sons stopped farming and established the flour mill in 1881. Anthony worked the mill until he died in 1897. After his passing his oldest son, Joseph Berning took over the mill.

Joseph and his sons worked the mill his entire life until he passed in 1930. The Mill was handed to another son and remained in operation until 1991. During this time the bridge, dam and tavern were constructed.

 Anthony Berning was Scott’s third great-grandfather. But it was Scott’s second-great grandfather that established the tavern in 1938. In 1940, the ownership of the tavern passed to Scott’s grandparents Everett and Loretta Berning, and they ran it until 1996 when it was purchased by Scott and Becky. 

Ties to the Community

Becky reminisced about the Banjo Benny’s live music and that it was a hopping place after the dance hall would let out. She pointed out the area where live bait used to be displayed and sold. She spoke of transforming a haven for old snowmobile parts to a game room at the tavern. And perhaps the most endearing story was how they empowered children to help do work (like put up chairs, collect ketchup/mustard bottles, etc.) in exchange for an ice cream cone or malt. This created a long, deep connection with the community and built long-lasting relationships.

 “Kids that helped years ago now bring their families in to share a piece of this down-home family atmosphere,” Becky shared with a smile.

Millside Tavern’s Future

Millside Tavern is slated to be taken over by one of Scott and Becky’s sons. There may be interest in expanding the business at that time. But for now, Becky seems very satisfied with how the Tavern serves the community.

Millside Facts

  • Established in 1938
  • Building is 2,680 square feet that sits on 300 feet of river front
  • The building has a bar, cooler, small kitchen, inside seating, a game room and two restrooms
  • All staff are part-time
  • Voted the Best Burger in Minnesota each year since 2011 in the Crow River News Reader’s Choice Awards
  • Voted Best Burger in Minnesota in 2023 by the Star Tribune
  • The Tavern is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday Noon – 9 p.m. They are closed on all holidays.

Most Popular Items

Traditionally the most popular burger has been the Double Bacon Cheeseburger with Onion Rings.

However, the Western burger and Berning burger are growing in popularity.

Hector Perez from MP Seafood is talking to two male EDA members in the cold freezer

MP Seafoods

The EDA visited MP Seafood on Sept. 25, 2024.

Hector Perez of MP Seafood (owned by Martinez Produce & Seafood) met with members onsite at their facility and provided a tour of the warehouse, processing area and freezers. Martinez Produce & Seafood provides sashimi-grade fish, other fresh fish, produce and dry goods to commercial customers. They currently occupy a 21,500 square foot facility and will accommodate future growth. They employ 6-7 people and serve approximately 250 customers. 

MP Seafood is located at 12321 42nd Street NE, Saint Michael, MN

For more information on MP Seafood visit mpseafood.com.

EDA Members standing in front of Home Grown Restaurant

Home Grown

The EDA visited Home Grown on May 22, 2024

Ellie and Drew Anderson, owners of the newly opened Home Grown Restaurant, met with members onsite and explained they provided meals with quality locally sourced ingredients, making from scratch simple foods customers could feel good about. Ellie gave a brief background of the old building saying they wanted to preserve the building’s history while adding a new piece to St. Michael’s growing downtown area. In the next couple of years, the plan is to construct a 2-story commercial building to include shops and hopefully create a fun walkable atmosphere.  Home Grown has six full-time employees and approximately 50 part-time.

Home Grown is located at 11 St. Michael Parkway E.

For more information on Home Grown Restaurant visit saintmichaelhomegrown.com.

EDA with Jeff Benzinger, owner of Creekside Center, in front of Dollar Tree store

Creekside Center (Formerly Colonial Mall)

The EDA visited Creekside Center (Formerly Colonial Mall) on Aug. 28, 2024.

A presentation and tour provided by Property Owner Jeff Benzinger.

Benzinger purchased the “Colonial Mall” approximately two and a half years ago and renamed the mall to Creekside Center. He remodeled the space to meet needs of businesses that are priced out of new development and create an affordable space/opportunity to locate their business in St. Michael.

The overall square footage of the Center is approximately 54,000 square feet. 41,500 square feet are leased and 12,500 are still available. The most dramatic change residents will see is the new building front, new sign, and that each space now has their own outside entrance and restrooms.

 

 

Existing businesses in Creekside Center are:

  •          United States Post Office
  •          Dollar Tree
  •          Subway
  •          H&R Block
  •          Refine Pilates
  •          Auto Zone (scheduled to open in October 2024)
  •          Big Al’s Bowling & Bar

Benzinger noted he also has purchased the St. Michael Mall across Hwy 241 and plans to continue investing in St. Michael as opportunities arise.

Creekside Mall is located at 403 Central Ave. E, St. Michael, MN

Employee putting together a control panel for water system

Apollo Technology

The EDA visited Apollo Technology Group on April 24, 2024.

Matt Robeck, Division Manager – Industrial Controls of Apollo Technology Group, gave a tour and history of the facility. The building is approximately 55,000 square feet and the company is planning an additional 55,000 square foot building be added to the site (which is currently under construction - Oct. 18, 2024).

Apollo has just over 350 employees with 40-45 St. Michael residents. Other Minnesota facilities are in Chanhassen and Princeton. 

Apollo is located at 12270 43rd St NE, St. Michael, MN

For more information on Apollo Technology Group visit apollotechnologygroup.com