Business - Hastings Journal

Hastings Farmers Market organizers Jim Voelker and Holly Bohlken have been selling vegetables, jellies and hot sauces for a quarter century at the Hastings Farmers Market.

Hastings Farmers Market welcomes new crop of vendors

When Edward Voelker started the Hastings Farmers Market in the mid-1970s—the market and the city of Hastings—looked a little different than they do today. Some 50 years later, that same … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/16/25

The 27-foot-long Wienermobile turns heads outside Cub Foods in Hastings during its cross-country tour stop. The rolling hot dog, with its gleaming mustard-yellow bun and friendly “Frankfurters” on board, made for an unmissable summer photo op.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile visits Hastings Cub

So many of us remember the commercial song “My bologna has a first name…” in fact, you probably completed it before continuing to read, and that’s just fine, but why did that … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/16/25

Chuck and Don’s is currently renovating the corner suite of the Midtown Shopping Center at 1100 Vermillion Street for their 34th store in Minnesota. The store will include the same great holistic products available at their nearby stores plus full- and self-service grooming options.

Pets, people, and community

Pet lovers in Hastings will soon have a new go-to destination for everything from premium food and grooming services to expert advice and community connections, as Chuck & Don’s prepares to … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/10/25

The Hastings Chevy Dealership at the intersection of Highway 316 and Spiral Blvd has been recently purchased and is now operating as Tri Rivers Chevrolet. The new ownership is already working to bring back the community involvement and trust of the Joe O’Brien Chevrolet days.

Hastings Chevrolet Dealer under new ownership

Hastings’ longtime Chevrolet dealership has entered a new chapter, bringing with it fresh energy, a customer-first philosophy, and local ties. The dealership, now operating as Tri River … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/3/25

Treasure Island team helping out!

Treasure Island Resort & Casino employees recently were at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center in Hastings for their new Island Impact social responsibility program. Over 30 Treasure … more

6/5/25

Mayor Mary Fasbender helped cut the ribbon at the Walmart grand opening Friday.

Confetti, community and celebration: Hastings Walmart unveils remodel

With a burst of color and community spirit, the newly remodeled Walmart in Hastings officially “reopened” its doors Friday morning, marking the occasion with a lively ribbon cutting … more

By John McLoone | 5/30/25

Local gym aims to be community gathering place

Co owners of CrossFit HSC are Mike Ahn and Tracy Precious. Photo submitted The idea of a third space is increasingly relevant in 2025. Third spaces refer to spaces that are separate from the … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 5/24/25

Chuck and Don’s Pet Food and Supplies recently acquired the space at 1100 Vermillion St., between Yuan’s Buffet and The Bierstube. No known opening date is available.

Three new businesses create a buzz on social media

Three new businesses had Hastings Social Media Groups buzzing with excitement over the last week. The sign at the former Hastings Dairy Store at 1700 Vermillion Street was changed to Hometown Dairy. … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/24/25

With dozens of guests on hand, Gwen Krehbiel, owner of Krehbiel Natural Health cut the ribbon on her new location at 1250 North Frontage Road, inside Simply Still Spa

Krehbiel Natural Health celebrates Grand Opening

Dozens of guests gathered at Simply Still Spa, 1250 N Frontage Rd #206, to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Krehbiel Natural Health, a new wellness practice that brings a … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/1/25

Inside the move from Carbone’s Pizzeria and Stacy’s Stars

When the city pivoted in late 2024 to building the central water treatment plant (WTP) first, zeroing in on the lot at 1292 N. Frontage Road for the location of the future PFAS WTP, none were more … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/24/25

A Spring Break Staycation!

With the last blast of winter (I hope) melting away, around our household, our thoughts turned to spring. With spring break coming next week, we decided to get a jump on the fun. We’re … more

By Jack McLoone | 3/11/25

Hastings Senior Health and Living Receives 2025 Customer Experience Award from Activated Insights

Hastings Senior Health and Living is thrilled to announce that it has received a 2025 Customer Experience Award from Activated Insights, formerly Pinnacle Quality Insight. This recognizes Hastings … more

2/26/25

Treasurer of Prairie Island CBH, Inc. Kim Campbell behind the counter of Island Peži, Prairie Island Indian Community’s cannabis dispensary that opened in July 2024.

Island Peži attributed success in cannabis industry to sound planning

Island Peži, the cannabis dispensary in Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC), opened in June 2024 to immediate success. “We were profitable from day one,” said Treasurer of Prairie … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 2/19/25

Ability 2 Believe hosts Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser to support special needs programs

HASTINGS, MN – Ability 2 Believe, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs, is kicking off 2025 with its second annual Wine & Beer Tasting fundraiser. The event … more

By Bruce Karnick | 2/19/25

Pure Salon celebrates ribbon cutting

Pure Salon, located at 1315 S. Frontage Road, celebrated the grand opening of their new space back in October of 2024. Now that they are all settled into their new space, it was time to have the … more

Photo by Bruce Karnick | 2/19/25

Staff members from Culvers, Hastings Family Service and Merchants Bank were joined by Mayor Mary Fasbender to serve custard to Pinecrest students for winning the 10 days of giving contest from December.

Pinecrest students win big with Culver’s Custard for outstanding community contribution

On January 24th, students at Pinecrest Elementary celebrated their hard work and generosity with a special treat—fresh custard served by Culver’s of Hastings. The event marked the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 1/30/25

2024 Hastings Chamber of Commerce Award winners to be honored at the 2025 Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner Jan. 23 are (from left) Educator of the Year Katie Matzek, Dugarel’s as Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Debbie Grimm.

Chamber awards winners announced

The Hastings Chamber of Commerce has announced the award winners who will be honored at the 2025 Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner. Th event will be held Thursday, Jan. 23 at the Wexford at Emerald … more

12/31/24

Hastings Bierstube Celebrates 62 years

The Hastings Bierstube is kicking off its 62nd anniversary celebration with a week-long party, packed with exciting prizes, food specials and entertainment. The festivities begin Tuesday and run … more

By Bruce Karnick | 12/12/24

Hastings Flower Co., located at 3500 Cannon St. opened its doors several weeks ago and recently held their ribbon cutting ceremony with a packed house of Chamber Ambassadors, family and friends.

Hastings Welcomes New Flower Shop: Hastings Flower Co. Opens Its Doors

HASTINGS, MN — The floral scene in Hastings just got a little brighter. After 14 years of running a flower business from her farm south of town, Vickie Schweich has officially brought her … more

By Bruce Karnick | 12/11/24

Dick Greiner came home from the Vietnam War and began a barber career that spanned more than five decades. He credits his success to the support of his wife Sandy and the trust of the Hastings community.

After more than 50 years, Greiner is hanging up the clippers

Back when Dick Greiner looked to start his own barbershop in the 1980s, there were more than 3,500 license applications for small town barbershops. 40 years later, that number dwindled to less than … more

By Bruce Karnick | 12/4/24