Brainerd’s Destination Downtown Has Its Three Finalists

A competition that started with 73 small business ideas is now down to three. Brainerd’s Destination Downtown contest offers one small business owner a prize package worth $50,000 to open up shop in downtown Brainerd.

The three finalists are Knotty Pine Bakery, a bakery owned by Marie Kirsch who currently runs her operation out of her home kitchen; Mark Neisheim, who currently owns the Wings Cafe at the Brainerd airport, but is looking to bring a similar food spot to downtown; and BluPaisley Boutique owned by Lindsay Topp, a clothing and accessory store located in Nisswa looking to open a second location.

The winner of Brainerd’s Destination Downtown competition will be announced at the Celebration of Excellence on Thursday, November 15th.