north mankato

Dr. Kristin Oliver was keeping busy with her Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Clinic in Missouri. But she started noticing a trend.

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. 

With the opening of 2 Pins Bakery, Tony Friesen has come full circle in a career that has spanned three decades. “I’ve been in the baking industry for 30 years,” he explains. “Starting in my father’s shops, then at Hy-Vee and Friesen’s, and finally now my own shop: 2 Pins Bakery.” 2 Pins Bakery is a one-man show for Friesen. It opened in October on Belgrade Avenue in lower North Mankato.

Randy Long is finally bringing to light, a dream he’s been harboring for more than 25 years: owning his own business. “My work life so far has been focused on serving others in some capacity, starting with growing up in my aunt and uncle’s clothing store,” he reflects.