Hot Startz!

Blue Skye Mercantile

Photo: Kris Kathmann

North Mankato – Blue Skye Mercantile

One of the latest additions to the landscape along Belgrade Avenue in lower North Mankato is Blue Skye Mercantile, formerly known as Arizona Olive Oil Co.

“We changed the name in January. It is just an extension of our brand Blue Skye Farms and Blue Skye Shared Commercial Kitchen. We sell the produce we grow right in the store, as well as baked goods from our kitchen. You can still get the great oils and vinegars that AZOO sold,” explains Lisa Phillips, who owns the store with her husband Marty.

Family owned and operated, Blue Skye Mercantile thrives on creating welcoming, inspirational experiences through unique, high-quality ingredients. “We are absolutely passionate about food and our community. Our gourmet food boutique is dedicated to inspiring connections through the love and appreciation of food,” she says.

“I purchased the store in June 2018, and had 2 weeks left on the lease at that time. We found our spot in North Mankato and we knew it was where we needed to be,” she explains. “It is a very welcoming place to be. We have a lot of events here on Belgrade and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of.”

She says Blue Skye will always be the home of Arizona Olive Oil Company but wanted to expand the offerings.


“It’s a store full of flavors. We have locally produced goods right alongside our products from around the world,” says Phillips. “Our goals change every day. I know that we want to make this to be like a destination. Come in with friends and try something new.”

Aside from Arizona Olive Oil Company products, Blue Skye Mercantile  makes its own line of bakery items made from scratch in its own commercial kitchen with locally-sourced, wholesome ingredients. From  cookies and scones to specialty cupcakes and treats, Phillips says all of the baked goods are made with in-season ingredients. 

Blue Skye is open Tuesday through  Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and  Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. As traffic increases, they are looking into being open later on Thursday nights.

Blue Skye Merchantile
237 Belgrade Avenue
Phone: 507-995-9793

Lisa Cownie

Editor of Connect Business Magazine