For three generations, Borchert’s Meat Market has been a constant for the community of Maplewood. But, after recent financial struggles and rising property taxes, the family store is at risk of closure and has turned to its community for help.
On Sept. 7, Josie Borchert started a GoFundMe to share the story of her parents, Dave and Donna Borchert, and the store that had been a staple of her childhood. She and her four brothers often rode their bikes or walked to for an after-school snack.
“There’s always been a store in this area, and it’s always been something that my brothers and I would go to and get a candy bar,” Josie Borchert said. “And then my dad started working here.”
Dave and Donna Borchert took ownership of the family store nearly a decade ago from its previous iteration, Richard’s Meat Market. With the suggestions of their five children, the couple began implementing changes such as adding an ice cream station and freshening up the interior.
They also began supplying locally sourced products, like their signature bratwursts and Minnesota-based beverages.
“It goes back to the meat counter, we’re part of Minnesota Grown,” Dave Borchert said. “I source everything as close as I can. I’ve always been a Minnesota boy that way.”
The trouble began during the summer, when the market fell behind on payments of its increasing property taxes. At the encouragement of Josie, the Borcherts turned to GoFundMe to raise their goal of $60,000.
“There are so many small businesses closing their doors to struggles, and you know, obviously, we’re not the only ones in the crisis,” Dave Borchert said. “We also have that finish line where we have that great opportunity ahead of us. We just have to make it to that point.”
Mik German, creator of 14 Spice and the chef/owner of 328 Grill in St. Paul Park, said the market and mom-and-pop shops like it are the heart of the community.
“We’ve become friends over the years, and to see them struggling like that, it really hurts,” German said. “It could easily be me, it could easily be any number of small businesses.”
As of a week since their GoFundMe went live, they have raised almost $15,000 in donations. Dave Borchert said the family is hopeful they will reach their goal and keep their doors open.
“It’s just insane how people can really come together and really have that family vibe,” Dave Borchert said. “Just trying to put it in words is very humbling.”
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