Twin City Tales Podcast

09/14/2026

Why did this unforgettable Twin Cities restaurant disappear?

Farrell’s wasn’t just dinner—it was an event! I only went once as a kid, to the Brooklyn Center location at 5524 Brooklyn Boulevard, but nearly 50 years later, I still remember the bells, drums and controlled chaos when they brought out the gigantic Zoo sundae.

Was it childhood joy—or trauma? Maybe a little of both!

Farrell’s eventually disappeared, but you can still experience some of that nostalgic diner atmosphere at 50’s Grill.

Do you remember Farrell’s—and did your family ever order the Zoo?

09/10/2026

McCrae shares his creative casting strategy for Big Brother, explaining how he leveraged his pizza delivery experience into a memorable television persona. He reveals how small interactions and empathetic tactics were key to his unique pitch to being on the tv show.

09/06/2026

Minnesota—do you remember the Emburger Royal and eating breakfast at Embers at two in the morning?

Embers began in Minneapolis in 1956 with just 36 seats and grew into one of the Upper Midwest’s best-known family restaurant chains.

But discount pricing, aging buildings and changing competition slowly dimmed the flame. The final location—Ricky’s Embers in Fridley—closed in 2021.

What was your favorite Embers meal or location? Share your memory below!

09/04/2026

Silence is the enemy. As long as clients are kept in the loop about timelines, even if they change, it's manageable. Honesty and proactive updates, even with bad news like backorders, build trust. The real problem arises when contractors fail to communicate, leaving clients in the dark and fostering negative feelings. Over 90% of the job is clear, consistent communication, managing expectations throughout the process.

09/01/2026

🎙️ A new episode of Twin City Tales has officially dropped!

Shannon Starry of Four Point Construction joins me for a great conversation about career evolution, leadership, relationships, business operations, and what it takes to earn trust in the Twin Cities construction industry.

From banking and accounting to real estate, BNI, and construction, Shannon shares the experiences and relationships that shaped her journey.

Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/Sq6MhZ8VIaQ?si=hGE2_UmhvAfrcd38



https://youtu.be/Sq6MhZ8VIaQ?si=mLHakEzwOnyAOTBy

Shannon Starry of Four Point Construction joins host Wymond Wong on...

09/01/2026

Shannon Starry on the idea of networking– it's straightforward: meet people, be kind, collaborate. But truly doing it requires consistent time, effort, and energy. Staying connected and top-of-mind takes work. Simple and easy are not the same.

08/30/2026

Did you know Jax Cafe’s history includes furniture, dances—and even a funeral-home connection?

Since 1933, Jax has become a Twin Cities tradition known for steaks, Sunday brunch, its garden patio and famous trout stream. I’ve celebrated both my anniversary and birthday there.

What is your favorite Jax memory?

08/27/2026

Katy and CJ Norman of Norman Homes share their key insight: When house hunting, think beyond today. They encourage clients to shop for the "next" season of their life, not just current needs. Buying a home you can grow into can reduce frequent moves and set you up for long-term success. Don't just buy for now, buy for the future.

08/24/2026

🎉 I earned the emerging talent badge this week, recognizing me for creating engaging content that sparks an interest among my fans!

08/22/2026

Do you remember peanut shells crunching beneath your feet, old cartoons playing on big screens, Bingo the Clown and ice cream served in miniature baseball helmets?

The Ground Round began in Massachusetts in 1969, grew into a national chain with more than 200 restaurants and became a Twin Cities family favorite. A 1988 advertisement listed ten metro locations—but by 2004, the original Twin Cities Ground Rounds were gone.

Today, only three remain in the entire country—and none are in Minnesota.

In this episode of Twin City Tales, we revisit what made the Ground Round unforgettable, why the national chain collapsed and the brief Minnesota comeback that followed.

Which Minnesota Ground Round was yours—and what do you remember most? Let us know in the comments!

Twin City Tales is presented by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric—proudly serving the same communities whose stories we celebrate.