Gramsie Square plans for more customers after road improvement limited access

Gramsie Square businesses are ready to welcome new and existing customers after a lengthy road construction project limited access to their popular Shoreview shopping center. With Rice Street's closure near the end of construction, the healthcare, restaurant, and retail businesses helped existing customers and patients navigate detours but felt the impact of lost traffic along a normally bustling road accessing Interstate 694. As the final barricades leave the site, promotions, new menu offerings, and more are in the works at Gramsie Square.

Shoreview road and infrastructure upgrades

The multi-month project in Shoreview reconstructed Hodgson Road from Gramsie Road at Rice Street to Bridge Street while featuring quality-of-life and infrastructure improvements. According to a Ramsey County design update, the project goals included accessibility upgrades, replacing aging pavement, and improving storm water management. Gramsie Corner Mart in the shopping center faces a new roundabout built at the Gramsie Road and Rice intersection, while the remaining businesses in the square face Rice Street.

Healthy Day Chiropractic offers promo for new patients

Co-owners Dr. Josh Jones and Katie Jones launched Healthy Day Chiropractic at Gramsie Square in 2021 to provide high-quality care to patients. Visibility and high traffic were a selling point for Gramsie Square, and the return of vehicles on Rice Street will boost exposure. “There were about 15,000 cars per day going past our location in both directions,” Katie Jones said. “We had rich awareness with the volume of cars and outdoor signage, so we’re looking to return to that, and I know we will. The traffic loss can be impactful because one of the best ways to draw in business is to be more present in your community.” 

Healthy Day Chiropractic is welcoming eligible new patients by helping them overcome a different type of roadblock – one limiting access to care. “One of the biggest barriers for patients coming to the clinic is the cost of an initial exam and X-rays,” Dr. Josh Jones explained. “One of the things we’re doing to help mitigate that and also bring attention to the clinic is offering everybody who comes in a free exam and X-rays. This way, people can get checked out and not have to worry about the initial cost, which can, in some cases, be over $300.”

The only limitation is that the practice cannot provide free exams to Medicare patients. Healthy Day Chiropractic rewarded existing patients for their patience in navigating road closures with an appreciation day in August and a week of free adjustments. The practice also stayed busy in the community with an elementary school fun run in June. “We are a small brick-and-mortar business operating five days a week, so we rely on our existing customers and are so grateful for their support,” Katie Jones said. “Without our existing patient base and their loyalty and advocacy, our business would not be as successful.”

Dedication to patients extends beyond an office visit to an investment in the community and patients’ lives. “I take a personal role in educating my patients on not only what is causing their problems, but what they can do to take an active role in their care,” Jones said. “A lot of people come into my clinic, and they don’t understand why they’re having these pains or have not had issues explained to them. One of the things that’s different about us is that I know where my patients went on vacation and what they’re excited about for the upcoming weekend. We take a personal approach, educating and providing care specific to them as part of our big family.”

Enjoy Asian cuisine at family-owned The Lava Kitchen

A couple of doors down in Gramsie Square, The Lava Kitchen opened in the middle of road construction in spring 2024. With the escalation of closures, they noticed an approximate 10% decline in sales and are looking toward the future. The family-owned business provides Asian cuisine with recipes from China, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. “These recipes are all authentically made by a chef and have been curated and held for generations,” Chou, the manager and owner, said. The staff brings years of experience with their secret recipes and techniques to help them deliver what Chou describes as “the best food and the best vibe.”  Chou highlighted residents of Shoreview and beyond can expect new dishes to join menu favorites like steam rolls, egg rolls, saikrok, pad Thai, and Thai basil fried rice in the coming weeks.

Ryan Hangartner, State Farm Agent provides pizza with quotes

“We have been in business since 2018, and love serving the Shoreview area,” Ryan Hangartner, a State Farm Agent located in Gramsie Square, said. “We are licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin and can help with a variety of different insurances like car insurance, home, renters, life, and disability insurance.” His State Farm office is ready to welcome back policy holders and new customers, and Hangartner highlights some good news is on the way. 

“In Minnesota, rates have been on the rise with every company, and we actually have a few decreases on the horizon, including one here in November,” Hangartner explained. “We would love to help people make sure that they are properly insured as well as saving them money.” As a thank you to future customers, Hangartner said the State Farm office is running a promotion with a connection to another Gramsie Square mainstay. Anyone who obtains an insurance quote with the office and mentions the Mansetti’s pizza deal will receive a free pizza at Mansetti’s Pizza and Pasta.

Support Shoreview businesses today

The City of Shoreview strives for residents and visitors to “Think Shoreview” and support businesses in the vibrant city. Gramsie Square is located at 3999 Rice Street in Shoreview and is home to Healthy Day Chiropractic, The Lava Kitchen, Ryan Hangartner State Farm Agency, Bravo Fitness, Fantastic Nails, Gramsie Corner Mart and Mansetti’s Pizza and Pasta. Stop by today, order dinner, or book an appointment to support these local businesses!