Posted: 1/22/03

A Peppermint Parlor & Eatery party before the doors open

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

It will be another two months before the Peppermint Parlor & Eatery opens for real at The Plaza, Forest Lakeís new lakeside commercial-office complex.

But the future opening has not discouraged owners Wendy and Scott Chelberg from throwing a party a few days early. Actually, it was a brick laying party.

Last Saturday, Sunday and Monday saw a host of Chelberg friends and city officials dropping in to the north wing of The Plaza where the new restaurant and deli has leased space.

While many came to see the still bare walls and space where Peppermint Parlor will operate in March, others came on a mission. It was a mission to help, even if only in a small way.

ìLetís make this a community event,î Wendy Chelberg said on Monday, looking over the interior as construction crews went about the interior steps.

The work for the guests was simple, Chelberg said.

Anyone stopping by during the three days was asked to brick a small section of interior wall. Construction workers and Scott Chelberg were on hand to supervise the work.

Mayor Ray Daninger and wife Geri were there on Monday. The mayor carefully laid bricks on a north facing panel near the main entrance. Geri Daninger also took her turn with a wall section.

Earlier, several members of the cityís park board and the Forest Lake Chamber turned out to do their part.

City Councilman Rick Ashbach was on hand Monday for a second day after doing his stint with bricks on Sunday.

Several families dropped in to help the Chelbergs and so did teachers from the Forest Lake Montessori School.

When Peppermint Parlor & Eatery opens in March, a plaque will be displayed showing the publicís involvement and support in helping the Chelbergs move the project to completion.

As the 22,000 square foot business complex nears completion, the eatery is on target to be the first business to open.

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