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   When Walker area natives Luke and Alise McGregor purchased YoYo Donuts in Minnetonka early in 2023 it hardly seemed probable that their journey would come full circle right back to Walker. As their business has grown, a second location in downtown Walker was opened in Spring of 2023 bringing them ever closer to home.

   The McGregor’s have become widely known for their gourmet donuts, ice cream and coffee bar. Their products are sold not just locally, but shipped all across the country. When production capacity neared it’s limit in the Minnetonka location, the Walker location became a logical choice to expand and make the hometown location their national production headquarters.

Congressman Pete Stauber talks with Alise and Luke McGregor during a visit at the YoYo Donuts Walker location that will be their national production headquarters in less than a month.

   Discussions with Cass County Economic Development (CCED) Executive Director Mike Paulus began in earnest last September to secure low interest loans through the MN Investment Fund Program and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Paulus assisted in guiding the process through the Minnesota Investment Fund Program, DEED, and the City of Walker to secure the loan to make the necessary renovation to bring the location up to full production.

Visitors included Kirsten Eggena, CCEDC Board President, Cass County Commissioner Scott Bruns and DEED Business Development Manager Chet Bodin.

   In a walkthrough held Tuesday, April 2, Alise and Luke were joined by CCED Executive Director, Mike Paulus; CCEDC Board President, Kirsten Eggena; Chet Bodin, Business & Community Development Manager-Northwest MN- | Minnesota Business First Stop; Walker Mayor, Jerecho Worth; City Administrator, Hope Fairchild; Cass Commissioner, Scott Bruns and 8th Congressional District Representative Pete Stauber and others.

From left: CCED Board President, Kirsten Eggena; CCED Executive Director, Mike Paulus; Walker City Administrator, Hope Fairchild; Luke and Alise McGregor; Congressman Pete Stauber, Walker Mayor Jerecho Worth; DEED Representative, Chet Bodin and Cass Commissioner Scott Bruns. Photo by Dave DeLost.

   Renovations are underway at their Walker location with plans to be in full production the first of May. The retail area in front will receive a facelift as well.

   “People are coming out of the Cities for a better lifestyle in out-state Minnesota, especially the 8th District, we celebrate small business as the engine of local economies.” Said Congressman Stauber.

   “It’s wonderful to have the community support. This is full circle for us returning home with our family.” Concluded Luke.

   Businesses looking for start-up, relocation, and expansion support should email Mike Paulus at [email protected]. The Cass County Economic Development Coroporation is a non-governmental member-supported 501(c)(3).

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