Just Like Grandma’s Re-Opens May 22, 2015 Under New Ownership

OSAKIS, Minn. - May 13, 2015 - PRLog -- Osakis, MN – It was announced today that Just Like Grandma’s will re-open on May 22 under new ownership.  The new owners, Jill Schoeck, Cindy Polzin and Sue Hansen wish to assure loyal customers that all their favorites will still be available.  For example, those who drive up from Iowa for the Banana Cream Pie—it will be the same Banana Cream Pie.

Many of the artisans who have consigned to Just Like Grandma’s in the past are returning this year plus there will be a number of new artisans adding their handcrafts to the three retail stores on site—The Schoolhouse, The Barn, and the Summer Kitchen.  In addition to a wide variety of new items, there will be more jewelry and a new section featuring items needed at a wedding or for last minute wedding gifts.  Almost all store items will also be available online soon (www.just-like-grandmas.com).  Store hours are 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 4pm on Sunday.

The former owner, Carol Mihalchick, will be helping with the transition and selling Carol’s Collection, vintage items and handcrafts, out of the top floor of Grandma’s Cottage.  Quilts Along the Trail will be moving from the basement of the main Victorian House (which has the Tea Room) into the first floor of Grandma’s Cottage.  The hours for Grandma’s Cottage are Monday through Saturday 10:30am to 4:00pm; closed Sunday.

The Tea Room will have some new additions to the menu along with some extended hours.  The hours for the Tea Room are 10am to 5pm Monday through Wednesday, and 10am to 7pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to offer a dinner service.  Sunday will remain the same, noon to 4pm.  There will also be free WiFi and a room or two available for private parties.

“Just Like Grandma's has been an important business to the community of Osakis for many years. We are excited to see new ownership usher the business into the upcoming years where both the business and community of Osakis stand to see important changes to position each for future success,” said Justin Dahlheimer, Vice President, First National Bank of Osakis.

About the new owners:

Jill Nolan Schoeck was born and raised in Osakis, Minnesota.  Her mother, Violet Benson Nolan opened a clothing store in Osakis in 1973 and called it Chapter Ten (she figured if she were writing a book about her life she be on chapter ten at that point).  Vi passed away in 1985.  The Violet Room of the Tea Room is named in her honor.

Susan L. Hansen was born and raised in Stillwater, Minnesota.  Her mother, Florence Benson Hansen was born and raised in Osakis.  Sue enjoyed visiting her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Osakis.  Florence passed away in 2011. The Florence Room is named in her honor.

Cynthia Schulze Polzin was also born and raised in Stillwater, Minnesota, and like Sue, enjoyed visiting Osakis.  Her mother, Genevieve Arlene Benson Schulze is thankfully still with us.  Arlene decided her room of the Tea Room should be The Genevieve Room even though everyone calls her Arlene!

The fourth room will be The Ellen Room, in honor of our aunt, Ellen Benson Maxwell.  Ellen passed away in 1966.

The daughters of the Benson girls of Osakis are looking forward to being a part of the Osakis business community and to have Just Like Grandma’s continue for at least another thirty years. For more information visit www.just-like-grandmas.com.

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About Just Like Grandma’s

Just Like Grandma’s is a seasonal Tea Room and Boutique business operating the past thirty years in Osakis, Minnesota.  The business is located near the Central Lakes and Lake Wobegon biking and hiking trails, and Lake Osakis, a 6300 acre fishing and recreation lake.  Osakis is a popular tourist destination located just off I94 near Alexandria, Minnesota.