2018 Was a Huge Year For New Businesses in Rochester

Yesterday I blogged about all the businesses that closed this year. Now on to the positive. Rochester welcomed a ton of new businesses this year, and several others will open next year. Check it out:

Cameo at the Castle - The newly remodeled Senior Center is now the Castle that is home to an amazing restaurant (Cameo), an event center, yoga studio, coffee shop, bookstore and more.

Nothing Bundt Cakes  - We welcomed a sweet new treat this summer when Nothing Bundt Cakes opened in the Hy-Vee Barlow Plaza.

Bitter and Pour - Filling the big Doggery shoes, they are officially open in Downtown Rochester, and I've heard great things.

Orange Theory Fitness - A new gym took over the Maurices location in the mall next to Scheels.

Marshalls - The South side of town is booming with new business. Marshalls was the first to open in a new shopping area - Golden Hills Shops.

Carters/Osh Gosh B'Gosh - Also nestled in the Golden Hills Shops with Ulta and Marshalls, they opened to the public this fall.

Ulta Beauty - The highly anticipated Rochester location officially opened this December.

Sleep Number - Moved out of the mall and into a brand new building on Commerce Drive next to Aldi

Milan Laser Hair Removal - Samm tested, Samm approved. You can find them over by Marcus Wehrenberg Theatre.

Five Below - Both Five Below and a second Petco location took over the former Sports Authority.

Chick-fil-a - Even though it seems like it has been here forever, it actually opened in early 2018.

Little Thistle - The latest craft brewery is a hit in the Rochester area.

Board and Brush - The hands-on wood sign workshop opened next to Brother's this

fall. I tried it out not long ago and had an absolute blast.

OPENING SOON:

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market - So excited for this new, affordable organic grocery store! Their grand opening is January 9th.

Kirkland's - My prayers were answered, the home decor store will come back to Rochester (opening next to Marshalls) in January.

Le Petit Cafe - Opening soon in the Avalon building in Downtown

Dunkin - Crushing the coffee shop per square capita in this city. The latest addition will be opening on West Circle Drive in 2019.

Gray Duck Theatre/Fiddlehead Coffee - an independent movie theater committed to bringing a truly local and communal cinema experience! They are waiting on construction permits, but then will dig in and open fast.

Smoak - Brought to you by the popular Rocket Restaurant Group (The Loop, Five West), the BBQ joint will be built on West Circle Drive.

Potbelly's - Opening a second location near Target North.