Today we’d like to introduce you to Grant & Michelle Johnson.
Grant & Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At Leader, locals often still swing by ‘just to say hi’. Leader has that small town, friendly quality that people are drawn to as a remnant of days gone by…
Whether it’s dropping in for a hot cup of coffee, enjoying a meal or shopping for that special item in the store, Leader has something to offer just about anyone.
In the back of our restaurant, you will find, Orley’s Market, a nod to Orley Eastlund, a family member who ran a market in the building on what is now the retail side from 1948-1962. Some customers say they can still see the spot where Orley butchered meats by the stain on the wooden floor! Blemishes like that are not only embraced but celebrated as part of the rich history of the building. In our market, you can find curated consumable goods while enjoying a specialty coffee with a fresh scone or muffin.
Peeling back the layers of time, many locals have memories and stories to tell about the rich narrative the building emanates. What was once a place that hung it’s hat on the slogan, ‘If Leader doesn’t carry it, you don’t need it’ has developed to meet current consumer demands. While the retail world dives into online platforms, daily life is replaced more rapidly by virtual experiences, Leader beckons us back, to recall a time when real experiences and human connections were the foundation of our lives.
Great Grandson to founder A.W. Johnson & 4th generation owner Grant, is proud to carry on the Leader legacy along with his wife Michelle. You can usually find Grant lending an ear to someone who has a story to tell about some distant relative & their connection to Leader.
The business has experienced many incarnations since 1918. With each passing decade, it has successfully pivoted to meet the needs of the time. As one might expect with a 106 year old business, Leader has had many challenges added to it’s roster including the Spanish Flu of 1918, The Great Depression and WWII. With the continued support of loyal customers as well as new, Leader will continue to overcome the challenges of our time.
New memories are to be made while expanding the story that Leader has to tell.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We bought the building in 2018, put in the restauran,t then experienced a partnership split in 2020 coupled with the pandemic and 2 forced closures in the restaurant. We rebranded the restaurant and continue to navigate during challenging economic times. We’ve been working on a plan to build a boutique hotel connected to Leader that has taken many incarnations since 2021. We are working to get that plan across the finish line w/ revised plans this year. Lots of blood, sweat & tears! Walking away is not an option. We believe in the vision and the legacy is about so much more that us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Grant has been running restaurants for the past 40 years. His last job aside from Leader was operational manager for The Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis. Michelle has restaurant management experience as well. They met in 2003 in Malibu, CA where they managed the landmark restaurant on the Pacific Coast Highway, Geoffreys, together.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We are strong in our Christian faith and believe God has called us to be good stewards of a business that has been running since 1918. We believe strongly that small businesses like ours are an important part of towns across America because they reflect the personality of the area allowing a personalize, one-of-a-kind experience for patrons. With God’s help and lots of prayer, we will continue to thrive and expand our horizons for another 100 years+!
Pricing:
- Menu Entrees range from $14-$34
- Private Event Room starts at $250
- Tuxedo/Suit Rental ranges $100-$300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leadermn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadermn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leaderminnesota/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/leadermn
