EDA Meeting Minutes - 07/09/25 (Workshop)MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 — 4:30 p.m.
Academy Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners Present: President Steve Johnson, Vice President Jon Morphew,
Rick Barger, Mayor Lloyd Hilgart, Councilmember Tracy Hinz
Commissioners Absent: Treasurer Hali Sittig
Staff Present: Executive Director Jim Thares, Community Development Director
Angela Schumann, Tyler Bevier, Anne Mueller
1. Call to Order
President Steve Johnson called the workshop meeting of the Monticello Economic
Development Authority to order at 4:30 p.m.
2. Roll Call 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Johnson called the roll.
3. Historic Signage Walking Review — Downtown Block 35 and Block 52
Economic Development Authority (EDA) members and staff took a walking tour downtown
to review the color palates of the signage samples against the exteriors of buildings relating
to the facade loan program. EDA members discussed their observations and preferences as
the three potential color palettes were placed against the facade project buildings. No one
color was unanimously favored based on the discussion.
4. Pji Bore Restaurant - SCDP Pre Application Submittal Review
Executive Director Jim Thares introduced Chad and Jill Brink, owners of Big Bore Barbeque
in Hanover. He noted that they have submitted a pre -application for the Small Cities
Development Program (SCDP) Loan Program as a gap loan funding request to purchase
equipment for their proposed new restaurant site to be in the former McDonald's
restaurant along 7th Street East near Home Depot.
Chad Brink spoke about the selected location in Monticello and its high visibility as well as
the condition of the former McDonald's restaurant. It has a drive-thru, which is an
advantage and will be a feature of the new Big Bore location allowing for convenience and
order pick up options. The challenges of the building relate to the necessary improvements
of the interior utilities as well as the general condition of the structure. It is essentially a
shell that was stripped bare and vacated about a decade ago.
Mr. Brink also noted the background of working with the City of Hanover and its EDA
application process for the original and current Big Bore restaurant location at the onset of
the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hanover location has expanded as far as the footprint will
allow and will remain in operation as it has been extremely successful as the parent
location. The Monticello site will become the first of its newly branded Cue ("pit") Stop (as
in "BarbeCue") to satisfy the demands of the same customer base in a "fast casual" dining
EDA Workshop Meeting Minutes — 07/09/2025
experience. He also said the logistics of the building remodel facilitating good customer
traffic flow and easier patronage accessibility are key adjustments. It will be somewhat like
the entry layout at Pizza Ranch while the aesthetics will feel and look like the Hanover
location which will allow nice accommodations for diners who want to stay and eat or take
it to -go. The curbside order pickup for online orders will also be important. Mr. Brink
pointed out the location as a midway stop on 1-94 for commuter traffic between the Twin
Cities and St. Cloud, as well as being desirable for those enroute to seasonal homes. Jill
Brink mentioned the proposed seating will be a capacity of 67. They are planning to have a
3.2 beer and wine license to elevate the dining experience for those who eat in. Chad Brink
further noted the menu offering as being the same core barbeque items as the Hanover
location with a focus on food that travels well. Mr. Brink offered additional details about the
proposed layout for the entrance and waiting vestibule, and face-to-face encounters at
drive -up.
Jill Brink reviewed the financial structure of the project noting the property acquisition and
building renovations and equipment purchases would total well over $3,500,000. The
building systems and equipment installation include new electrical services, plumbing, and
HVAC systems. The SCDP gap loan is proposed to help with the equipment costs. Ms. Brink
indicated that the primary lender is NorthStar Bank utilizing an SBA 504 loan.
Chad Brink commented on his desire to close on the property as soon as possible, with
intent to start concrete curbside and foundation work and exterior painting finished before
the winter months. The target closing date for the acquisition is slated for August 27 with a
30-day extension, if needed. Per the Purchase Agreement, September 26 would be the
latest potential closing date.
Jill Brink spoke about sales at the Hanover location with a breakout of 70% food and 30%
alcohol. She believes the Monticello location will be about 90% food and 10% alcohol per
the customer modeling they have completed. The first year is projected to be $3M in total
sales. Hanover closed out the most recent year at $6.7M in sales. She stated that summer
months are most successful for sales; barbeque travels well for peak cabin season and
accessibility to 1-94. Ms. Brink also pointed out that the monthly operating budget is
estimated to be $192,000.
Chad Brink noted that the COVID-19 pandemic was a large challenge to work through when
they first opened in Hanover, and they adjusted as needed and have been able to grow the
revenue since that time. Mr. Brink also noted that their projected budget for Cue Stop has a
slightly lower average sales per patron range of $25-30. They believe the location is a
strength due to its proximity nearby Home Depot and Target and other retail businesses
nearby.
Jim Thares asked about the forecast for payroll. Jill Brink anticipates approximately $64k
monthly for part-time staff and $7,500 for full-time employees. She noted the longevity and
dedication of their employees at the Hanover location. Some may want to work at the new
Monticello location.
Chad Brink highlighted the six years of continuously increasing sales at the Hanover
EDA Workshop Meeting Minutes — 07/09/2025
location, operating six days a week. Mr. Brink also noted the upscale quality and rating of
the barbecue foods and tastes as well as the national level of recognition (for barbecue) and
of the universal branding for Hanover and all future locations.
Steve Johnson asked Brinks about the SBA 504 funding and if they were contributing equity
toward the proposed project. Jill Brink responded that they were providing 15% cash equity
toward the project funding. Chad Brink explained how the loan process is anticipated to be
like the Hanover process and how their goal is to be able to pay off the debt associated with
the Monticello project earlier than a typical schedule.
Steve Johnson also asked about the applicants' marketing approach. Chad Brink noted that
they are working with a creative design team on a weekly basis to extend branding and logo
recognition to this and other potential locations for consistency across various media
sources for internal and external reception. The lead creative consultant is also an equity
partner if the new Monticello project operating company, not the real estate component.
Steve Johnson indicated that he was very comfortable in having the proposal move forward
to a final funding application review step with City staff in the coming months.
Tracy Hinz arrived at the workshop at 5:57 p.m.
5. Adiourn
Tracy Hinz motioned to adjourn the workshop. Second by Jon Morphew. Motion passed.
Adjournment at 5:58 p.m.
Recorded by: Anne Mueller WVII
Date Approved: 08/13/2025
Jim Th s, Exe utive Director of the Monticello EDA