My how time flies. The butterfly will soon fly as well!

We're reaching a spot where nearly all of the original hopes are coming to life.  Our patio space includes a fence of its own, native grass plantings along the boulevard, a trio of colorful artsy bird benches, and soon a doorway sign that will be a sculptural wonder!

Indoors, our composting center is in action, fence panels highlight our local sources and producers, and our dining spaces continue to fill with lively community activity daily.

Be sure to drop by during Nicollet Open Streets on Sunday, September 18 as we celebrate a space that came alive with the help of our original Kickstarter backers and has thrived with the support of neighbors and friends throughout southwest Minneapolis!

Thank you Kickstarter backers!

We are nearing the completion of the projects you launched with your support for Butter Bakery Cafe's big move.  And as a way to recognize the end of the construction and to honor your part in it we are setting aside December 12 (12/12/12) as your day!   Drop by the shop next Wednesday to pick up reward items, be honored,  taste some new treats, to connect with other Kickstarter supporters and to see what you have created! 

I realize that this day won't work for everyone (thus the skype tour with my daughter studying in Stockholm this fall) --- but I hope many of you can stop by sometime during the day to check in with me.  Feel welcome to stop by anytime now to pick up mugs, tumblers, shirts, or other project related rewards.  I am sending off the reward coupons today as well.

We have already shared some birthday cupcakes, delivered office sampler boxes, begun sampling out ice creams, and tomorrow host our first evening party.  Our first internships are nearing their end, groups are putting our community table to use, brunch is packing a weekend crowd, and oh, my, it does look great.  

There are still a few small details in action (as there will always be), but it sure is great to be open and settling into our new routines here on Nicollet.  As I look back on our kickstarter video from this summer where I stood in a big empty shell of a space, I am both amazed and grateful.

thank you - see you on the 12th!

Dan

The rough edges are getting smoother.  The empty spaces are getting filled.  Piece by piece we're settling in. We are open and learning how to use this beautiful new shop.

Getting to this point has been both a challenge and a joy.  So, it seems like a good time to celebrate! Our partners at Portico Collaborative (the former Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation) are excited to see their vision for Nicollet Square finally complete. Butter Bakery is happily nearing the end of construction time and moving into living time here.  The Nicollet Square residents are already becoming part of the community here.

Please join us Tuesday, October 23 for a GRAND OPENING celebration.  We'll have something special going on all day long - and at 6 pm we'll share a special program of welcome and celebration with the people who helped bring this vision to life.

Your part in this is significant! Please come and be thanked!

We will post more information about the day on the butter bakery cafe Facebook page. 

I do hope to see you Tuesday!

Dan

We are open on Nicollet!

While there are still a few pieces "in process" / "under construction" / "in transit" / "due soon" / "not quite ready" /  etc... we do feel open!  Every day is a step closer to our finished vision!

The sign arrived today and is on the wall.  We're hoping that all you really need to see is butter.  We are aiming for an October 23 Grand Opening and hope you'll put it on your calendar to join us for a day to celebrate all that we have been able to do TOGETHER!  Thanks for your support - come visit soon and be sure to look for the bit of butter bakery cafe that has been made possible by you!

Dan

As the end of our time at 3544 Grand draws near - I'm struck by the feelings of loss mixed with anticipation and excitement.  Almost all of you have been in this site. You backed this project because of what butter has been in its current site as well as wishing it well into its next space.  There are things we will miss, some quirky, some dear, some experiences that just can't be re-staged.  When we get time to say goodbye to someone or something we love - it is indeed a precious, gracious thing.  For those of us who have had losses thrust upon us in our lives - without that time to prepare a goodbye - the pain and grief is real. 

So, I'm trying to say a good goodbye. To get the "good" into the byes.  And to remember that the shortened phrase does actually ask that God be with ye - that we feel the presence of love surround us as we move away from a place of love and welcome.  I do feel that.  There is a welcome waiting.  There is love traveling with us on this journey of five blocks. You can be a part of that traveling wave of love next Wednesday afternoon. Join us as we lovingly carry the shop to its next home - beginning shortly after noon.

It has not all gone as planned. But it has all been good.

Dan