4407-09 EXCELSIOR BLVD.

This was actually one building with two addresses and two different histories. The original building on this property was built in about 1939 by Phil and Eleanor and brothers Ed (1915-1987) and Frank (1918-2001) Hlavac. It may have been operated as a fruit stand before that. Under the same roof was the Family Meat Store, operated by John Harasyn.

4409 EXCELSIOR

The Family Fruit Store was operated by Ed and Frank in 1942, and in 1945 it was attributed to Phil Hlavac and Wayne Robdeau. In 1947 it was Phil, Ed, and Wayne and in 1949 it was Phil, Ed, Bob, and Floyd (although these last two may have been employees). It had a number of names through the years:

Family Food Store
Family Food Center
Northland Dairy Store (1963)
Christmas Tree Lot (1968)
Park-n-Shop Suprette (1970)







In 1975 the store was replaced with Gepetto’s Statuary, owned by Donald M. Hall. Former owner Ed Hlavac was hired as manager and painter in the store. Another listing is Plastercraft Arts-Prints-Statues, run by Frank Hlavac.

We think that Subway moved into this end of the building, holding its grand opening on January 8 & 9, 1988. In 1995, Gary Rudolph sold the Subway to Thomas and Sharon Peterson.

4407 EXCELSIOR

This was the east end of the 4409 building, and it is unclear how it was used. There is an indication that there was a Hi-Way Beauty Shop at this location in 1947, and since it is unlikely that it was in the store, it may have been in this side.

We do know that in 1959, the part of the building addressed at 4407 was vacant. The Hlavacs requested a permit to remodel the space to use as a second a Dairy Queen. The initial owners were Phil Hlavac and former Mayor R.C. Fernstrom. A Grand Opening was held from April 29-30, 1960. In spring 1961 it was referred to as Bea’s Dairy Queen. In 1964 it was Don’s DQ. In 1983, Terry G. Garret remodeled the DQ at a cost of $50,000.

In 1990 it was JR’s Pizza and Donuts, which was owned by Dairy Queen, represented by William Reiser. James McLane may have been the manager.

The building burned down in 1999, to be rebuilt by Navab Brothers in 2002.

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.