First Lakes 10, Now Grandma’s — Another Piece Of Northland History Is Disappearing

I didn't expect Lakes 10 to close in Hermantown. It had been around for so many years, you take it for granted that it will be there. Now, another Northland staple, the Miller Hill Mall Grandma's Saloon & Grill, has announced it's closing its doors next week.

Grandma's Saloon & Grill At Miller Hill To Close

The statement issued by Grandma's Restaurant Group President Brian Daughtery is telling:

“Having a second Duluth location has been a great benefit for three and a half decades,” said Brian Daugherty, President of Grandma’s Restaurant Group. “However, the landscape has changed. The late-night dining and drinking culture that thrived near the mall and movie theaters didn't return after COVID. With the area becoming much quieter after 9:00 PM, coupled with rising costs impacting full-service restaurants across Minnesota, the timing was right to make this move.”

Obviously, the rising costs have been hard on restaurants and customers. It's so expensive to eat out right now, and people just don't have the extra money.

Nightlife Has Changed In The Area

Daughtery mentions that the nightlife in the location is much different now. That's true. Do you remember that there was a movie theater just down the street? On the corner of Haines Road and Miller Trunk Highway sat Cinema 8. That closed in 2004. Now there's a Holiday Inn Express in that location.

I've been reading the comment threads on multiple new stations' Facebook pages, like Fox21, trying to gauge what people think about this change. A lot of people are sad to lose the restaurant and memories after 35 years.

Cannabis Company Purchases Location

Grandma's Restaurant group sold the location to the cannabis company Vireo Growth Inc. They already operate Green Goods in Hermantown.

Some people applaud the change, saying we need more dispensaries. But they seem to be outnumbered by people who would rather see another restaurant. I had to laugh when I saw many people wanting to bring back Mr. Steak. You'd have to be at least in your mid-40s to remember that spot. Mr. Steak also had a location in Virginia, Minnesota. The last Mr. Steak location closed nearly 20 years ago, and it's not coming back.

This is a prime location, and surely Grandma's saw an opportunity. I personally don't have a problem with dispensaries, and I think competition is good for the consumer, but it is still sad to see a long-time staple go in the Northland.