What doesn't happen at the Village Shoppes on Black Friday!

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Black Friday took a turn for the worse this year as shoppers in stores around the country resorted to fighting, shooting and even pepper-spraying their way to the most coveted deals.

The violence began even before Thanksgiving was technically over. Moments after a Walmart in Los Angeles opened its doors at 10 p.m., one woman reportedly used pepper spray on at least 20 customers – some of whom were children – to keep them away from the discounted electronics she planned to buy.

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Black Friday took a turn for the worse this year as shoppers in stores around the country resorted to fighting, shooting and even pepper-spraying their way to the most coveted deals.

The violence began even before Thanksgiving was technically over. Moments after a Walmart in Los Angeles opened its doors at 10 p.m., one woman reportedly used pepper spray on at least 20 customers – some of whom were children – to keep them away from the discounted electronics she planned to buy.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between people. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers/balloon bouquets, offering confectionery (candy especially Godiva), purchasing gifts (jewelry) and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines").

Be Sure to visit Card Party at Wayzata Village Shoppes for cards, gifts and/or balloons for this special day.

Take a peak at Card Party's Valentine Shop.

IOCP Food Drive a Success

The Wayzata Village Shoppes merchants ran their first annual food drive to benefit IOCP over the 2010 holiday season.  Pictured here are Merchants Ginny Domain from Latham Optical, Pam Hasselbring of Pilates MN, Wayzata Lion Dewey Senneseth who will deliver the food, and Katie Lucas from Card Party.

Shop local this holiday season

Tired of all the hustle and bustle at the mall? Maybe it’s time to try Wayzata Village Shoppes for your holiday shopping and dining.

You’ll enjoy a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere and an assortment of fun, unique shops with one-of-a-kind gift items.

Village Meats & Deli

Hosting a holiday gathering? No need to worry about the food, because Village Meats & Deli offers  professional catering services and appetizer trays for the Wayzata area. As well-known caterers in the Twin Cities, Village Meats & Deli specializes in company events, weddings, graduation parties, barbecues, and
more.

“Christmas is our busiest time of year,” owner Jim Wessling said. The shop’s fine smoked and cured meats, like
old-fashioned wieners and spiced turkey sticks, make excellent presents, and gift certificates in any amount are also available.

For a memorable holiday dinner, try some mouthwatering short ribs, fresh-from-the-farm chicken, marbley  ribeye, or boneless butterflied pork chops. There are also several other tempting choices, making it difficult to try just one.

Village Meats & Deli isn’t just for special occasions, however. The shop also offers affordable, high quality box lunches for everyday enjoyment. Whether it’s a chicken salad wrap with potato salad and a brownie, or roast beef and cheddar with a garden salad and lemon bar, lunch time will always be a flavorful event.

To learn more about Village Meats & Deli, go to www.villagemeatsmn.com or call (952) 473-4466.

Belaluma

For those who long for delicious grilling experiences year-round, Belaluma is the answer. The company is dedicated to maximizing outdoor living through full-outdoor kitchen design, manufacturing shelters, grilling supplies, and more.

“People here love to entertain outdoors,” owner and founder Craig Hetzenberg said, adding that Belaluma was born out of his own desire for a more enjoyable year-round outdoor grilling experience.

“I wanted something for my own home,” Craig explained. As a result, he created Belaluma, which is  ommitted to enhancing every aspect of outdoor living. Belaluma offers grills, utensils, cookbooks, aprons, sauces, and other accessories in a wide variety of brands, styles, and prices.

The company is also focused on the design and manufacturing of custom outdoor rooms, so that grilling can be enjoyed all year long. The structures are made to withstand Minnesota’s harshest elements, such as extreme temperature changes, storms, and hail. “The grill shelters are designed to go on a deck or patio,”
Craig said. With infrared heat, light fi xtures, and a stereo, Belaluma’s durable enclosures provide comfort and protection from wind, rain, sun, and insects.

Craig, who has more 30 years of experience in the design industry, will also offer cooking classes and grilling demonstrations next spring.

To learn more about Belaluma, go to www.belaluma.com or call (952) 285-2731.

Maggie’s Restaurant

Treat friends and family to a relaxing outing at Maggie’s Restaurant. “All the customers know our names,” said Scott Homan, whose father, Nick, started the restaurant 31 years ago. “Wayzata’s not a small town like it was when we first started, but we still have that small town feel. We’re still in the same location, and we’re still thriving.”

Scott took over the restaurant after his father retired, but Nick still comes in about four times a week to eat, visit, and check how things are going. Maggie’s Restaurant is “deep rooted” in
the Homan family, and was named after Scott’s grandmother, Margaret. “Her picture is on the wall and everything,” Scott said. “She was a great woman.”

Scott began working at Maggie’s at age 15, and hasn’t looked back since. “I’ve always liked it,” he said. “It runs in the blood, I think.”

At Maggie’s, employees and customers often become close friends. “I talk to my customers while I cook,” Scott said. “It’s a really different experience. My manager goes fishing with the customers he’s made friends with. We’ve all known each other a really long time.” The first customer to enter each morning is a 97-year-old “local legend.” Scott said he always looks forward to chatting with him over coffee and breakfast.

In addition to friends, Maggie’s is also the place where Scott met his wife, Jessica. “There have been dozens of people who’ve met and married people from here,” Scott said. Maggie’s started out as a pizza restaurant, and gradually added a full breakfast and dinner menu, as well. One online reviewer described Maggie’s this way: “A wonderful small-town restaurant in a big city! Personal touches everywhere. Excellent home-cooked meals. Huge portions! EXCELLENT PIZZA! If you want a great meal at an affordable place – Maggie’s should be your choice.”