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5 <br />Summer 2013 <br />Meet Cal and Nola Wilkens, the new <br />friendly faces at the Lake Elmo Wine <br />Company. The couple took ownership <br />of the business after previous owner, <br />Kim Ommerborn, moved out of the <br />area. Always desiring to own and run <br />a business of their own, they learned <br />about the sale of the wine shop in an <br />ad in the St. Paul newspaper. <br />“Owning a wine shop was the farthest <br />thing from our minds but the listing <br />just popped out at us,” said Cal. “Nola <br />and I discussed the idea for only a <br />moment before knowing that this was <br />an opportunity that we had to pursue.” <br />Cal, a former executive in the food <br />manufacturing industry, and Nola, a <br />school speech pathologist realized <br />that the wine shop would provide the <br />perfect opportunity to mix their shared <br />love of wine with their individual skill <br />sets: food and education. <br />“I love to meet the people that come <br />into the store and chat with them <br />about wine,” said Nola. “There are <br />so many factors involved that affect <br />the characteristics of each wine from <br />the geographical region and type of <br />grape, to the type of soil in which the <br />grapes were planted. I have learned <br />and continue to learn so much since <br />opening the store and I enjoy sharing <br />that knowledge with our customers.” <br />Though it felt like an innate calling to <br />purchase the shop, it was the store’s <br />unique charm and the delightful small <br />town location that sold them. They <br />were also pleased to find that the pur- <br />chase of the shop was accompanied <br />by loyal customers. <br />“In order to offer consistent service <br />that the customers are used to we are <br />following the previous business plan <br />and offering special events,” said Cal. <br />“We still keep in touch with Kim, which <br />has been great for all parties involved <br />during this transition.” <br />In addition to special events, Lake <br />Elmo Wine Company offers daily wine <br />tastings and lives up to its reputation <br />for offering unique wines that are high <br />in both quality and value. The Wilkens <br />also hope to offer patio seating this <br />summer. Lake Elmo Wine Company <br />is located at 3511 Lake Elmo Ave- <br />nue North. Business hours are Mon- <br />day, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Tuesday <br />through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. <br />To stay informed on upcoming events <br />and special offers, call 651-621-1520, <br />visit www.lakeelmowineco.com or fol- <br />low Lake Elmo Wine Company on <br />Facebook. <br />Cal and Nola Wilkens say taking over ownership of <br />the Lake Elmo Wine Company was meant to be. <br />Business Feature: New Faces Gracing the Shops of DowntownLake Elmo Wine Shop a Dream Come True for New Owners <br />Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop is looking a lit- <br />tle different these days. That’s thanks <br />to a new (larger) space, remodel and <br />rebranding. <br />The change took place when Robert <br />Hawkins took ownership on May 1, <br />2013, the day that previous owner <br />Mike Alwin retired. Hawkins moved <br />the store into a larger space located <br />a few doors down from the original <br />location to allow for a wider selection <br />of the high quality products that cus- <br />tomers are used to seeing. Finished <br />off with cozy furnishings and updated <br />branding (designed by Hawkins’ wife <br />Rhea, a graphic designer), the shop <br />emits a comfortable, relaxed vibe. <br />Hawkins, born and raised in Montana, <br />has spent a large part of his career <br />as a fly fishing guide. When a friend <br />called and told him the shop was for <br />sale, he jumped at the chance to make <br />the move to Minnesota to explore and <br />teach in new waters. <br />“This store has a rich history, which <br />I love,” said Hawkins. “But it was the <br />opportunity to continue the tradition of <br />teaching and guiding that sold me.” <br />The store, which has been a core trout <br />shop, now includes warm water fish- <br />ing training focused on bass, pike and <br />muskie. <br />Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop is located <br />at 3459 Lake Elmo Avenue North. <br />Store hours are Wednesdays and <br />Fridays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays <br />and Thursdays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat- <br />urdays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays <br />8 a.m. to noon. For more information <br />about the store and educational of- <br />ferings visit www.bobmitchellsfly- <br />shop.com or call 651-770-5854. <br />Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop: New Look, New Space, New Opportunities <br />Newly owned and remodeled Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop <br />is a great place to sit down and tell a fish tale or two.