Briefs: Mayo's lab expansion, Mexican fruit pops, and Crooked Pint makes a comeback
Mayo Clinic said this week that it will invest $49 million into an expansion of its lab spaces on Superior Drive in northwest Rochester.
The expanded facility will house several clinical laboratories that are now run out of the Hilton Building downtown. Relocation of the labs, Mayo says, will allow them to grow and make use of more modern facilities. (The transition will also provide growth opportunities for other labs in the Hilton Building, a Mayo spokesperson said in an email.)
In all, the project will include new space for five clinical testing labs, an expanded and updated cafeteria, and new support staff spaces.
The expansion, according to the announcement, will also boost efforts by Mayo Clinic Laboratories to provide diagnostics to patients around the world. Mayo Labs currently performs about 25 million tests annually covering 3,500 different types of tests and pathology services.
"Laboratory diagnostics and interpretations are front and center when it comes to the patient journey," said Dr. William Morice II, president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. "The Covid-19 pandemic shined a light on the importance diagnostic testing plays within the overall health care system, and we are committed to expanding our testing to meet the needs of patients we serve at Mayo Clinic and through Mayo Clinic Laboratories."
Work on the project is already under way and will continue through 2025.
Traditional Mexican treats
A popular Twin Cities’ shop specializing in traditional Mexican popsicles and ice cream is expanding into the Rochester market.
La Michoacana Purépecha plans to open this summer at 28 Ninth Street SE, next to Olmsted Medical Center’s Southeast Clinic.
The family-owned business was started in 2018 in Minneapolis by immigrants from the Mexican state of Michoacán who wanted to share their favorite childhood frozen treats with the rest of Minnesota.
The shop’s menu features over 50 flavors of fresh, locally-made ice pops known as paletas, as well as ice cream, yogurts, dorilocos, and other treats.
Crooked Pint finds a new home
The Crooked Pint Ale House is back, but at a new location.
The sports bar re-opened this week at 1625 South Broadway Avenue, next to the Ramada by Wyndham hotel. The space last housed Cowboy Jack’s bar.
Crooked Pint offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, along with 30 draft beers on tap, according to its website.
The pub had previously operated out of a spot at 2723 Commerce Drive in northwest Rochester, near Costco. That space has since been taken over by Carbone’s Pizzeria restaurant and bar.
Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.
