by Logan Gruber
operations@thenewsleaders.com
“Perkins in the Pines,” a staple for many diners across the St. Cloud area, closed Tuesday.
“We did not know Perkins was going to close,” said Sauk Rapids Community Development Director Todd Schultz, “but we had been given indications it could be likely.”
Schultz said he doesn’t think he has ever spoken to the owners of the restaurant directly, or if he has it was a long time ago. He learned of the closing only after it happened.
“Until I heard the radio this morning (Tuesday), I wasn’t aware they were closing,” Schultz said.
“I absolutely couldn’t believe it when I heard,” said Tara Wiese, a Sauk Rapids resident. “We had just eaten there Sunday night. We have a lot of memories there . . . the servers at Perkins knew my dad and put us in the same booth every time.”
A note posted on the door of the restaurant stated the closure was due to a third straight year of road construction as well as an expiring lease. The note also said the owners are planning to find a new location in Sauk Rapids to open another Perkins.
“Generally, businesses haven’t been too affected by the construction,” Schultz said. “The SuperAmerica on Hwy 10 closed during construction in 2014 but opened back up once construction was complete.”
The note on the door also said employees of the Sauk Rapids location have been offered positions at the other three St. Cloud area locations: Sartell, St. Cloud and Waite Park.
‘Perkins in the Pines’ was a favorite spot for many in the St. Cloud area for decades.
