By Sandi Fleck, Prior Lake Chamber 

By Lori Carlson, Editor 

Making way for a “big-box” liquor retailer to take over a strip mall on Commerce Avenue, a divided Prior Lake City Council approved MGM Wine and Spirits’ request for a liquor license on Monday.

What started as a temporary change in the Prior Lake Farmers Market location to accommodate a road project has become a permanent venue change.

The market will permanently move to Main Avenue north of County Road 21, between Hastings Avenue and Dakota Street, beginning this Saturday, July 19.

Basement Bar and Grill, 16691 Highway 13, is expected to open this week.

New owners Steven McKenna and Steve Higgins renovated the space formerly occupied by Hollywood Bar and Grill. Upgrades include gleaming hardwood floors, a brand-new, spacious bar, a larger stage for entertainment, and a game room and lounge.

Prior Lake City Council members will consider allowing limited outdoor entertainment at restaurants.

At its Monday, July 7 meeting, the Prior Lake City Council will consider a request for an ordinance requiring liquor stores to be at least a half mile apart.

The request came from Kevin Bresnahan, owner of Dakota Liquors, who said he’s concerned about competition from MGM Liquor Warehouse, which is eyeing a spot in the former PDQ strip mall on Commerce Avenue.

By Lori Carlson, Editor 

Prior Lake’s liquor store owners are hoping to fight off an attempt by a mega liquor warehouse to open a shop in the city.

The former Hollywood Bar and Grill, 16691 Highway 13, has been purchased by new owners and is expected to open as Basement Bar and Grill in the next couple of weeks.

By Lori Carlson, Editor

Figure out a way to get along.

That’s the message City Council members gave the owners of Captain Jack’s bar and restaurant – and the neighbors who live near it – after a nearly two-hour discussion Monday night.

By Lori Carlson, Editor

City of Prior Lake officials have negotiated an agreement for purchase of the Minnesota Nails property at 16328 Main Ave. and will not proceed with eminent domain action.