(CIRCLE PINES) – For the better part of the past few decades, Darrell Carlberg has had his hand in an Isanti mainstay: Creamery Crossing restaurant.
The family-friendly full-service restaurant in the heart of the town just north of Anoka County off Highway 65 boasts a full menu and special event space that is popular with those who call the small town home–and those who drive in from other areas.
"It's not a chain," said Carlberg of his restaurant's appeal. It's name comes from its location in an old creamery building on the town's main drag. "It's small, it's old-style, old-time, (and) people can just get together and have good conversation together."
That description sounds a lot like how many loyal customers would describe the former Matthew's Family Restaurant in Circle Pines, which abruptly closed last fall and left a void in a busy area. When word got to Carlberg, he jumped at the chance.
"I went over (to Circle Pines), got the name (of the realtor), called, and began that process immediately," he said.
His second Creamery Crossing is now open in the former Matthew's location off Lake Drive, not far from Circle Pines City Hall.
"The city seems real excited," he said, based on the amount of inquiries, both in person and online, he said the restaurant staff has received.
The menu is simliar to what Matthew's offered, with a few exceptions, said Carlberg. He also said the restaurant would begin serving dinner once the weather warmed up. He and his staff have also hired a number of former Matthew's employees to staff the new restaurant, along with a few cosmetic changes to the interior.
