It was a fixture here in Minnesota for over two decades, but this longtime restaurant has now closed its doors permanently.

When it comes to nostalgia here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, few things bring up as many fond memories as those once-popular restaurants we used to frequent that are now gone for good. To start walking down memory lane, all you have to do is think about some of those places your parents took you when you were a kid that are now long since gone.

Restaurants play a unique role in our economy and culture both here in Minnesota and across the country. The National Restaurant Association estimates that there are currently over 11,100 restaurants in the North Star State, generating over $15 billion in sales.

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However, difficult hours and high turnover rates mean it's often tough for restaurants here in Minnesota and nationwide to attract and retain workers. And, since the pandemic introduced even more challenges, it's been common to see restaurant closings become a more common occurrence in the news.

But it's still a shock when a longtime restaurant closes its doors. Which is just what happened to the Machine Shed Restaurant, located just off I-94 across from Woodbury, on Inwood Avenue in Lake Elmo.

The Machine Shed Restaurant's Lake Elmo, Minnesota location. (Google Street View)
The Machine Shed Restaurant's Lake Elmo, Minnesota location. (Google Street View)
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According to Woodbury News Net, Minnesota's Machine Shed location opened here in the Gopher State in 2001, but just recently closed for good. Woodbury News Net said a sign on the door proclaimed the news:

Unfortunately, the Machine Shed has permanently closed its doors… We’d like to thank all of our patrons for your support throughout the years.

The Machine Shed Restaurant chain is based in Iowa, and according to its website, still has five other locations still open. It opened its first restaurant just outside Davenport, Iowa back in 1978. And while the Minnesota location is now closed, you can still dine at its other Midwest locations, including:

  • Appleton, Wisconsin
  • Davenport, Iowa
  • Pewaukee, Wisconsin
  • Rockford, Illinois
  • Urbandale, Illinois
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The Machine Shed Restaurant chain is owned by Heart of America Group, which also owns other restaurants like Thunder Bay Grille, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Gramma’s Kitchen, Checkered Flag, The Republic on Grand, and The J Bar.

Heart of America Group also owns a line of hotels in Des Moines, Iowa, and Chicago, Illinois; several multi-family living developments in Iowa and Illinois; as well as three Tommy's Express Carwash franchises in Iowa.

While Minnesota's Machine Shed location is closed (no word on what might replace it, either), the chain itself is still around. That's not the case for the following brands, however. Keep scrolling to check out 50 beloved retail chains that weren't so successful and are now not around anywhere anymore.

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Gallery Credit: Madison Troyer

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