Over the years, there have been many changes along the North Shore. Businesses have changed hands, some have closed, new ones have opened, and others have remained. Sometimes it’s hard saying goodbye to establishments that hold nostalgic memories of good times and bring a smile to your heart. In an ever-changing world, people seem busier; for many, it is often easier to shop online for convenience rather than visiting a brick-and-mortar store. Consequently, we have seen several beloved businesses close or change due to retirement, illness, or other personal circumstances.
In Finland, Minnesota, the West Branch (formerly The Apollo) was a longtime staple known for good times and memorable pizza. Locals and visitors alike loved the West Branch. Nearby, Our Place keeps trucking along despite changing hands and facing significant challenges during the Finland floods. The Four Seasons, formerly owned by Bonnie Tikkanen, was defined by Bonnie’s total dedication; she could be seen handling every aspect of the business herself. After she sold the establishment to Jeff Ylatupa and Pam Puskala, the building saw many updates, including floor replacements and renovations. Now known as the Four Seasons Restaurant and Bar, they host annual events in a heated outdoor tent, creating new memories much like the cherished ones from the original Four Seasons Supper Club.
Beaver Bay has also seen several restaurant turnovers. One of Beaver Bay’s true gems was the Lemon Wolf, a quaint, upscale restaurant that was a favorite for both regulars and tourists. Though it ran under the same name for a short time after being sold, it has since been renovated into a popular ice cream shop and bakery called Two. One.Ate. Another beloved loss was the Northern Lights, where families gathered for Mother’s Day, birthdays, and Easter breakfast buffets. Sadly, a fire forced them to close their doors permanently. The Blue Anchor became Tracks n’ Racks, a venue for music, food, and drinks. It was then sold to the current owners, but it eventually closed due to unforeseen circumstances.
In Silver Bay, the original Dairy Queen, a place full of nostalgia and memories of a simpler childhood with a fresh-dipped cone melting in the summer sun, eventually became Jimmy’s Pizza. It was extremely popular, but after the owner became ill, it was sold and rebranded as Zoe’s Pizza. The current owners, Isaac Giron and Natascha Zuburev, have run it since February 2024. While they saw some success, the challenges eventually outweighed the wins. During their tenure, they were active in the “Music in the Park” series by RockyWall Entertainment, partnering with them, feeding every band that played, and even creating a specialty “double cheese, Porchetta sausage” pizza that became a customer favorite.
Despite their community spirit, the owners recently announced they are putting the business up for sale. They cited a “perfect storm” of circumstances: a seasonal economy that doesn’t sustain year-round staffing, a declining and aging population, and limited winter traffic. Furthermore, a burst water line in January 2026 at their Tracks n’ Racks location caused a complete ceiling collapse, ending plans to relocate the pizza business there. Along with damage to Zoe’s Pizza’s ceiling. When asked about the damage to Tracks & Racks, Giron said, “The Bay Area doesn’t lack places to drink. What it lacks are family-centered environments that foster connection, safety, and community… For us, balancing multiple ventures while trying to carry a seasonal restaurant through the winter simply wasn’t sustainable.”
Looking ahead, the owners may explore a more flexible food truck model to better adapt to the area’s seasonal nature without the high overhead of a brick-and-mortar building.
Further up and down the shore, the iconic, beloved Dairy Queens in Two Harbors and Grand Marais are also up for sale. Seth and Carrie Ann McDonald of Two Harbors are the current owners. They purchased the seasonal Two Harbors location in 2008 and the Grand Marais business in 2012. The DQ’s have been staples of the community since they first opened. Seth’s journey is a true North Shore story: he started at the Two Harbors walk-up as a 16-year-old in 1993 and worked his way up to owner. The decision to sell is purely personal, as Seth looks forward to spending more time with his family after a very successful career.
Amidst these transitions, new ventures are thriving. Black Beach Mini Golf has become a major draw for visitors at the Black Beach Inn and Campground. The Adventure Park on Highway 61 continues to offer unique rope course experiences, though it is currently for sale as the owner looks toward retirement. In Beaver Bay, the Northshore Camping Co. offers a “glamping” experience with full staff and outdoor ambiance, while Northern Goods in Grand Marais has successfully taken the reins from Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, continuing to provide essential gear for North Shore explorers.
The businesses of the North Shore count on tourists and locals alike. Whether you are a visitor or a lifelong resident, take some time to go on an adventure. Try a new restaurant or duck into a unique shop; you might be surprised by the new memories you find.
