Chaska Business News

August 2025

We're committed to building open communication and strong connections with the businesses that keep Chaska thriving. This monthly e-newsletter is your trusted resource for staying informed and inspired—packed with the latest news, practical tools, and success stories from fellow local business leaders. Whether you're an established business owner or just launching your venture, we're here to support your journey and cheer on your achievements.

Sign up for the Chaska Business News on our Notify Me Website, or contact Julie Grove, Economic Development Coordinator at jgrove@chaskamn.gov.  

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Chaska Leadership

As the city continues to grow and evolve, the individuals serving on our city council play a vital role in shaping its future. In this feature, we introduce a returning council member working to promote economic opportunities, support local businesses, and enhance quality of life. We are excited to share their insights and keep you connected with the leaders of the city!

Meet you Councilmember-Jon Grau

What is your favorite thing about living in Chaska?
Having grown up in a rural town with a population of 5,000 and having attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, my initial move to Chaska was met with skepticism regarding its reputation as a "small town,".  However, the genuine sense of a small-town atmosphere truly exists, cultivated through the cohesion of the community. Residents are well-acquainted with their neighbors and frequently encounter familiar faces, fostering a strong sense of belonging that I deeply appreciate.

What motivated you to get involved with city government?
During my tenure on the Park and Recreation Board, I had the privilege of collaborating with the City Council on numerous initiatives and projects. These experiences ignited my desire to further serve the community. For me, serving on the council is not a quest for personal significance, but rather an opportunity for an ordinary Chaska resident to contribute to the well-being of all city residents.

What are your plans for promoting economic growth and job creation in the city? 
I perceive the promotion of economic growth as an overarching goal for the greater good of the community. It involves strategies to attract and retain residents, businesses, and services in a sustainable manner. I am convinced this can be achieved through exceptional city services, a diverse housing supply, community events, and partnerships with local businesses. This constitutes both my current vision and my vision for Chaska over the next five years as we continue to cultivate the community.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about Chaska?
Selecting a single standout aspect is challenging, as Chaska is a treasured river city community. Nevertheless, if there is one key message for current and prospective residents, it is the presence of passionate and dedicated city employees. The essential and often overlooked services that enhance our daily lives are a testament to their commitment and care, and this dedication is immensely valuable.

Coolest Thing Made In Minnesota Competition

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is once again searching for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.  This competition is aimed at highlighting the vibrant manufacturing economy in Minnesota. According to the Chamber, Minnesota companies have a long history of innovation, creating some of the “coolest” products to fuel our economy.  

Any product manufactured in Minnesota is eligible for nomination and companies are not required to be members of the Minnesota Chamber.

Nominations are open now until Aug. 15 with the first bracket to be announced on Sep. 2. Public voting will occur between Sep. 2 and Oct. 5 with the winner announced on Oct. 7 at the 2025 Manufacturer’s Summit.

Last year’s winner was 3M – Scotch Magic Tape.  Chaska based Super Radiator Coils -Nuclear Heat Exchangers made it to the Top 16 innovations in Minnesota!

Click here to nominate a Chaska product: Coolest Thing Link https://www.mnchamber.com/coolest-thing-made-minnesota

Business Spotlight 

Play Date

Location: 1018 Gateway Dr., Chaska

Play date is an indoor play space in Chaska designed for kids 0-7 years old. We offer open play, memberships, birthday parties and fun monthly events. We give children an opportunity to play and explore with friends and family in a comfortable and colorful indoor playground environment designed just for kids.

What inspired you to open an indoor playground in Chaska? What was your “lightbulb” moment? 
Being home with young kids was always great, but finding something to do that wasn't super far away wasn't easy. Weekly, we would drive anywhere from 30-60 minutes to find a fun place to play. My husband came with us once and said "Why don't we open a place like this?" And that is how we got started!

What makes Play Date unique compared to others?
Play Date is partially "unstaffed", meaning that we don't always have staff on site. This was important for us for two reasons. The first reason being we wanted to have long hours. Parents with young kids know that your day sometimes starts at 5am! We knew we couldn't afford to staff a space for 12 hours a day. Second is for safety. You have to purchase a pass or membership from our website to get a door code to enter, otherwise the door is locked. Inside our space, we are also low sensory. You won't find lots of bright colors here. Our walls are white and our big kid room is slightly dim. 

How have you seen Play Date impact local families and kids? 
I think we have created a community here. We've had members and guests who have been with us since the beginning. Parents organize play dates in our space. Children are making new friends. A new mom gets a chance to talk to other new moms (and to get out of the house without worrying about the weather outside). It feels really good to be a part of that.

Is there a fun or surprising story from your time running the business you'd like to share? 
We are coming up on our two year anniversary soon, and it's so amazing to see repeat birthday kids! They celebrated a birthday with us our first year being open, and then we hosted their next party as well. It's very heartwarming to us.

What do you hope visitors take away from their experience here?
I hope our visitors feel like they finally found a safe local indoor space for their kids. They can come here knowing their kids will have fun, meet some other kids to play with, and the parents can have a minute to relax. If the parents are having a bad day at home, they can instantly decide to pack up their snacks and head to Play Date. Hopefully they will return home with their kids ready to take a nap!

For more information visit:Playdatemn.com

If you’re interested in having your business featured in the update, or if you have information to share, email Julie Grove. 

Now Open!

Southern Social

The wait is over! Southern Social, a modern southern kitchen known for its bold flavors and southern hospitality, opened its third location to Chaska this August. The new restaurant took over the former Cuzzy’s space at 2880 Chaska Blvd.

With successful locations already in Woodbury and Eagan, Southern Social has built a reputation for specializing in fried chicken, slow-smoked meats, and expertly crafted cocktails. The menu showcases classic southern favorites like shrimp & grits and chicken and waffles, along with a variety of fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, and flatbread pizzas.

Check out their full menu and more at: www.southernsocialmn.com

New Video Series - Locally Yours

Episode 3-Hayloft Studios

Check out this video series highlighting Chaska businesses. 

Join Mayor Taylor Hubbard and Councilmember McKayla Hatfield as they explore local businesses, meet the people behind the scenes, and try something new. Episode 3 is Hayloft Studios

Watch Locally Yours with Hayloft Studios.

Community Event

Touch A Truck

Touch a Truck 2025 is on the MOVE!   This annual city event features city trucks, food and games. This years event will be located at the Home Depot/Chaska Commons Area

All ages are invited to this FREE event to to play carnival games by Chaska organizations, eat ice cream and popcorn (while supplies last) and then dance to the music. Other food/beverages will be available for purchase.

In the coming weeks there will be additional communication, maps, and details on the city’s website. 

Location: Chaska Commons (Home Depot and Petco Parking Lots)
Date: Thursday, August 14
Time: 5:00-7:00pm