Cologne House

a.k.a. Brick & Brew Properties (BBP)

BBP is a minority-owned company formed to acquire four parcels of real estate located in the deteriorated historic downtown of Cologne, Minnesota.  The four parcels consist of a patio, bar, preschool and liquor store, each of which was owned by an an individual who was in default under his loan with the local bank.

BBP desires to acquire the parcels so that its sister entity, Thigh Times Flagship LLC can open and operate a restaurant on the patio and bar parcels under the name of “Cologne House Café”.  Cologne House Café will be the only family restaurant in Cologne.  BBP intends to continue to lease the third parcel to the preschool, which is the only preschool in Cologne and is operated through a partnership with the local school district.  Finally, BBP will lease the liquor store parcel to a newly formed entity that will be owned by one of the BBP members who will continue to operate on the parcel as a liquor store.

Venn’s PRI will help BBP acquire the four parcels in Cologne.  The acquisition of the parcels by BBP, a minority-owned business in a community that is 95% white, and the business’s subsequent operations promotes social welfare by bringing economic development that eliminates prejudice and discrimination, prevents further deterioration of Cologne’s historic downtown, catalyzes investment in Cologne, brings additional jobs to Cologne and preserves Cologne’s only preschool.