As North Metro TV News first reported a few months ago, the store was in the top 40 for sales in 2017, according to figures from the state auditor’s office. That report shows that of the cities with larger sales for that year, only one (Stacy) had a smaller population than Lexington.
Recently, Mayor Mark Kurth also singled out the store in his report in the city’s newsletter, praising both its revenue but also its efficiency.
Store Manager Jack Borgen takes it all in stride.
“It’s a good feeling,” said Borgen, who has worked for the city in the store for nearly three decades. “But we don’t have a lot of time to dwell on it. The market has changed pretty fast and you have to keep up with that.”
Borgen has a staff of 10 in the store, and he said his staff has done a great job identifying emerging craft beer brands to bring to the store and keeping part-time workers busy with shifts to meet customer demand.
“Each (municipal liquor store) has its own–as any business does–its own unique situation,” said Borgen. “You try to do the best with what you have available, basically.”
Lexington’s small population (approximately 2,000 residents) belies how busy it feels during any part of the day or day of the week, since it is wedged between larger cities like Blaine and Lino Lakes, and its proximity to both St. Paul and Minneapolis. Borgen believes his store’s location at Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue also helps bring in revenue.
“We have an excellent location, a really good facility, excellent staff, (and) great community support,” he said. “So, it all works.”
