This past week, Becker Chamber of Commerce Director of Operations Amity Felton posted a poignant question to area residents to commence feedback for the sake of future development in Becker.

Her question went as follows: “What type of business (NOT a chain) would you like to see in Becker? Something you think Becker could really use.  A business you would support if local?  Bakery, boutique, flower shop... etc etc.”

Little did Felton realize, many people have an opinion on what they’d like to see in their neighborhoods and weren’t afraid to share it. Some answers led to agreeable comments from readers and some led to harsh criticism and rebuttal. But the consensus was, the majority of responders said and agreed to needing a bakery, a pharmacy and/or a brewery in the city and township of Becker.

Maybe someone could combine those three ideas into a sole business and rake in the rewards? It could be called, Breads, Meds & Heads!

The thing is, the majority of things people wanted to see developed in their hometown are either businesses that are already here or have come and gone (due to lack of support or other financial misfortune).

For instance, Ellis Bakery was here for many years and still sells their baked goods at the Farmer’s Market and custom treats for special requests. Owner Linda Ellis was forced out of her last location due to excessive rent, but still bakes from her home and has a Facebook page promoting her business.

Von’s Cafe on Hancock St. sells bakery items and are open for takeout and curbside delivery. They also serve a variety of coffee blends too. Yet, 11 out of 103 responders in the Facebook thread (as of Tues, Dec. 8) said a bakery was a dire need for the area.

Becker used to have a pharmacy at CentraCare Clinic on Rolling Ridge, now most people drive to Walgreens in Monticello to fill their prescriptions. Some people posted that they heard patients quit on the local pharmacy because it took too long to fill and pick up medications. Still, almost 10% of the responders on Felton’s thread said they wanted a pharmacy in Becker.

One responder suggested a local brewery be built and even pre-named the establishment “Bulldog Brewing Co.”, which several others “liked”. Again, 11 people were in support of the brewery idea out of 103 responders. It is assumed the brewery idea is so popular what with Big Lake (Lupulin) and Monticello (Rustech and Nordic) housing three of these types of establishments.

A Coffee Shop was a popular vote on the Facebook thread, garnering eight “likes” even though Von’s Cafe, Rebecca’s Cafe and even McDonald’s serves coffee drinks and cappuccinos. Becker used to have Java Me Kraze and Cafe Pawz as other options for their coffee fixes, but they went under for lack of support and COVID-19-related issues. Currently, Big Lake has two Caribou Coffee shops and maybe that is why Becker-ites feel slighted?

Several people indicated they would like to see a nice boutique come to the area so people could shop for fashionable clothes and accessories without having to travel to Monticello to visit the big chain stores.

Numerous people want to see Becker house a bowling alley and entertainment center and maybe even a youth center where kids can gather and play arcade games or sports games. Five people even mentioned the area needs a nice, drive-in theater to help get families out of the house.

A flower shop was another suggestion, though flowers can be picked up at the local grocery store (Food Pride) and/or convenience store (Speedway, Holiday, Deli Plus, etc.)

Other ideas spawned from Amity’s question include a thrift store, a sit-down restaurant, a craft store, a meat market, a full-service car wash, a shoe store, a gun/archery range, a mini mall, a hockey rink, an indoor golf simulator, a dry cleaner, a trampoline park, an antique store, a clothing store, an auto parts store, a Jiffy Lube, a yoga studio, an indoor dog park, a Taco John’s, a Taco Bell, a Target store and a cannabis dispensary.

Felton’s question certainly sparked interest and garnered superb suggestions, but many people chimed in with the disappointment in people suggesting to “grow” the Becker community when the local businesses are currently struggling for support. Many said they don’t want the luxury of all these types of stores and businesses — the reason being it takes away from the small-town feel everyone enjoys.

Some suggested that the ideas shared can be fully procured without wait by driving the 20 or so minutes to neighboring towns and cities to get just about all they need.

Except  Breads, Meds & Heads, of course!