Area III Coordinator Tanya Beck connected with the folks of A-Side Public House and Station 10 event space, owned by Travis Temke. We chatted with Station 10 Venue and Events Manager, Ellie Olson. A-Side Public House is a 135-seat and coffee shop restaurant (general manager, Nicole Karels), and Station 10 is a 5,000 sq ft event space, they both located at 754 Randolph Ave. The beautifully restored 1885 Station 10 firehouse originally served a rapidly growing residential area before the arrival of watermains. It is also notable for its historical role in the integration of Black firefighters after the disbandment of the African American company in 1942.
How long have you been in business in the West 7th neighborhood?
A-Side opened in 2021, and Station 10 followed a year behind opening in 2022. The building took about 2 years to renovate.
What brought your business to the West 7th Neighborhood?
The historic preservation of the fire station was an important part of the location choice. After the new SPFD Fire Station 1 was opened at 1000 W. 7th in 2010, the Fire Station 10 space on Randolph continued to serve SPFD as a storage and training space from 2010-2017 when the 1885 building became available for development. Even now, the Local 21 Firefighters hold regular meetings at the building. It’s been interesting for them to see the rehabilitated space having used the space before the work was done.
How long has A-Side been in business?
A-Side was a new when it opened at its current location, but Travis and staff have a wealth of experience in restaurant and brewery management and ownership.
What is something your business does that you are really proud of?
Our Chef- driven farm to table, seasonal menu. The menu changes depending on what is available. Q is the driving chef.
What do you love about owning a business in the West 7th Neighborhood?
We love how “neighborhoodie” it is here. We appreciate the camaraderie of the neighbors among each other, but also we feel like we can connect with neighbors, too. Do you have a favorite item you sell or make? I like that offerings depend on the seasons. We have great burgers and the shawarma bowl is excellent (Tanya can attest to this!). Our coffees are handcrafted, too- fresh ground coffee made to order and with some unique options. Currently, noix de chocolate is on the menu. We also have local craft beer from Venn, Rise, and West 7th’s own, Bad Weather (414 W. 7th St).
How do you show up for your community?
We have supported the St. Paul Firefighters efforts with operation warm, we did a fundraising event and coat drive for Joseph’s Coat (1107 W. 7th St) and we have donated space for community use including for the Fort Road Federation’s monthly meetings.
What is something the West 7th neighbors may not know about your business?
This station housed the veterinary hospital for the SPFD horses that pulled the water carriages. There was a stable in the back.
Who should we talk to next?
The secondhand shops up on 7th are great – Center for Lost Objects (957 W. 7th St).
A-Side Public House is located at 754 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul P: 651-756-1351.
You can learn more at asidepublichouse.com or connect with them @asidepublichouse on IG.
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