Food + Beverage

Slurping Up Something Special

KYURAMEN in Eagan combines bold flavors, cozy booths, and Japanese comfort food into one unforgettable ramen experience for locals of all ages. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline When Kang Liang opened KYURAMEN in Eagan in October 2022, he wasn’t just bringing noodles to town—he was bringing a feeling. “We want everyone to enjoy stress-free ramen in a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment,” says Liang, who owns the Eagan location in Eagan Town Centre. The idea for...

Fitness

Stronger Every Day

At Discover Strength, Apple Valley owners Jessica and Tyler Gustafson are redefining fitness through expertise, efficiency, and empathy. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline Jessica and Tyler Gustafson aren’t your average gym owners. In fact, they don’t own a gym at all. They own two Discover Strength studios—a strength training concept built on evidence, expertise, and efficiency. After opening their first location in Wayzata in 2021, the Gustafsons launched their second in...

Arts + Culture

Art. Nature. Legacy.

A cultural treasure shaped by two artists, embraced by a community, and rooted in the land. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline For Cheryl Caponi, Caponi Art Park isn’t just a legacy project—it’s a lifelong passion shaped by love, vision, and the desire to give something meaningful back to Eagan. Caponi’s late husband, sculptor and Macalester professor Anthony (Tony), first set eyes on the wooded, hilly land in 1950. In the late 1970s, while others saw development potential...

Travel

Travel Elevated

Why a Travel Agent Is Your Best Adventure Ally Article by Matthew Sousa In a world where online booking engines are just a click away, it’s easy to wonder: do people still use travel agents? The answer is a resounding yes—especially those who value their time, seek expert guidance, and want to elevate their travel experiences. Dean and Joanne Victorson of American Cruises & Tours have been helping travelers turn their vacation dreams into reality since 1996. Their secret? Personalized...

Home Services

Clearer Views, Cooler Spaces, Local Roots

Solar Shield’s tinting legacy helps Minnesotans see differently Article by Ann Schreiber In the late 1980s, Mark Gjerde started tinting cars for friends—just a hobby at first, but one that quickly sparked a full-fledged business. In 1989, Mark and his wife, Denise, officially launched Solar Shield , a window film and tinting company that would go on to shape how Minnesotans protect, cool, and enjoy their homes, vehicles, and commercial spaces. More than three decades later, Solar Shield...

Food + Beverage

Minnesota Roots, Pints, and Good Times

A local brew pub pouring bold flavors, community spirit, and handcrafted pride into every glass. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline Walk into Union 32 Craft House in Eagan, and you’re immediately greeted with the hum of conversation, the scent of something tasty on the grill, and the undeniable pull of a glowing wall of beer taps. For those who love local flavor—literally and figuratively—this place is a Minnesota gem built on friendship, community, and the shared joy of a...

Food + Beverage

Burgers. Family. Fun.

From the State Fair to Vikings Lakes, My Burger is flipping patties—and expectations—with heart, hustle, and hometown flavor. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline If you've driven by the corner of Dodd and Vikings Lake Parkway lately, your nose probably told you before your GPS did: there’s a new burger joint in town. My Burger , the Twin Cities-born smash burger spot, opened its newest location in Eagan in October 2024—and it’s not just any burger chain. Owned and operated...

Home Services

Bravery Meets Endurance

SERVPRO of Eagan/Apple Valley Brings the Heat as Host of the Midwest Firefighter Challenge Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Provided When most people hear the name SERVPRO, they probably think of burst pipes, house fires, or storm damage. But this June, they’re flipping the script. They’re not just showing up after a disaster—they’re running toward one, fire gear and all. SERVPRO of Eagan/Apple Valley is the proud host of this year’s Midwest Firefighter Challenge League Classic ...

Life + Culture

Leading with Heart and Honor

Jonathan Beltran redefines leadership, loyalty, and legacy through family and service. Article by Matthew Sousa | Photography by Nicole Engstrom & Provided For Jonathan Beltran, service isn’t just a job—it’s a calling, a legacy, and a deeply personal mission. A man whose path has traversed continents and career fields, Jo, as his friends and family call him, has forged a life rooted in discipline, compassion, and purpose. Born in the Philippines and arriving in the United States at age 10, his...

Food + Beverage

Family, Flavor, and Flame

At Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill, fresh food, rare beer, and heartfelt hospitality are traditions across generations. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline If you’ve lived in Eagan long enough, you probably know where the old Baker’s Square used to be. But since New Year’s Eve 2008, that same spot has been home to something super delectable— Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill . “We took a chance,” says co-owner David Ansari. “The building had been sitting empty for a while, and we...