Grandma’s Recipe Goes Global Kim Samuelson, owner and operator of RBJ Family Restaurant in Crookston, Minnesota, has worked in the restaurant industry since she was 9 years old. Kim has run the restaurant, named after her father, Roger Bernard Johnson, since 1987. In the early 1990’s, Kim created a single batch of her grandmother’s recipe […]
Paradise Prairie Products
Representing Plainview A thriving economy begins first with entrepreneurs. They, as it is said, are the yeast of the economy that spur business growth and economic development. Rural communities in southeast Minnesota – to maintain and nurture their vitality and sustain their local economies – must support entrepreneurs who build local businesses. They are essential […]
Kay’s Naturals
Powerhouse Snacks When a local pretzel manufacturer went bankrupt, Tom Condon, a Clara City farmer and entrepreneur who owned the plant’s building, worried about the town of 1500 losing critical manufacturing jobs. Tom was a client of local businessman, Massoud Kazemzadeh, and sought his help in saving the plant, knowing Massoud had product-development expertise and […]
Hoch Orchard
Creative Farming Nestled deep in the steep, wooded hills and valleys of the Mississippi River is the 30-acre Hoch Orchard, tended by Harry and Jackie Hoch. After leaving the orchard for seven growing seasons, Harry and Jackie decided to return to their apple orchard and raise their family in a rural community. Since 1997, the […]



