Grants Spur Storefront Improvements In Downtown St. Cloud

(KNSI) – Three St. Cloud businesses are sprucing up their storefronts.

The city’s Economic Development Authority first awarded the Downtown Exterior Improvement Grants last September. One of the locations selected was Dolsie’s Lunch Box Grille at 810 W. St. Germain Street. A sharp, new black awning went up this past week.

Restaurant Owner Paul Dols says once his place was approved for the 50% match, things went quickly.

“We started this probably back in the first part of November. And it just went up a few days ago and the process was very smooth. We’re very happy about it. It’s great to have a new little facelift downtown.”

Dols says his business has been open for a decade now and the plan has always been to make changes to the front of his diner.

“We’re into our tenth year and it took us a little longer to get that awning up than what we’d like, but you know what? It’s up now and my wife says, ‘Now, we’re legit.'”

Dols jokes the business has been ‘legit’ for a while. Dolsie’s is a busy lunchtime spot. Dols says the secret is making food from scratch and a constant menu. The place also features regular specials to add some variety to its offerings.

Other businesses that will be making improvements soon include Waldo’s Pizza and Billig Opticians. Waldo’s is doing a more extensive stucco finish that will cost about $30,000 in total. The grants are capped at $10,000.

If other downtown businesses are interested, funds are still available through the St. Cloud Downtown Economic Development Authority.

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