A Family Legacy of Scratch-Made Comfort Food
A Tradition of Family and Flavor
For over 35 years, Carol’s Restaurant in Blaine, MN, has been a cherished gathering place for families and friends to enjoy hearty, homemade meals. Founded in the 1980s by Carol Brown, the restaurant began as a small diner with a simple mission: to serve great food made from scratch. With her niece Jackie Carlson by her side as the first employee, Carol built a legacy of exceptional service and flavorful, homemade dishes.
Keeping It in the Family
When Carol decided to retire, Jackie knew she wanted to keep the family tradition alive. Having spent her entire career at Carol’s, Jackie was passionate about maintaining the restaurant’s unique charm and commitment to quality. Now the proud owner, Jackie, operates the business alongside her daughters, Alyssa and Courtney Birdsall, who are deeply involved in its day-to-day operations. Alyssa has been serving customers for over 20 years, while Courtney manages human resources for the restaurant’s 50+ employees. Even Jackie’s son and son-in-law are part of the team, making Carol’s a true family affair.
Scratch-Made Goodness
At Carol’s, everything is made from scratch, from their fresh-baked bread and vinaigrettes to their signature hash browns, made from boiled, skinned, and shredded potatoes. The restaurant’s menu is a labor of love, with favorites like pasties (made once a month) and eggs benedict topped with homemade hollandaise sauce. The family constantly experiments with new recipes—some make it to the menu, and others end up as fond kitchen memories.
A Community Staple
Carol’s Restaurant remains a beloved spot in Blaine, offering not just delicious comfort food but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere. “Our customers are family to us,” says Jackie. “We love making people happy with a good meal.” Carol herself still visits as a guest, enjoying the vibrant restaurant she built and the legacy her family continues to grow.
“The lord pulled me into 21st Century Bank,” she said. “I pulled into the parking lot and called to say, ‘I don’t know what to do. We will have to put Carol’s on the market, and I want to keep it in the family. We’ve worked so hard to get it where it is.’”
Preserving a Legacy with 21st Century Bank
When it came time to keep Carol’s Restaurant in the family, Jackie Carlson faced challenges securing the right financial support. Thanks to the team at 21st Century Bank, she was able to navigate the complexities of the purchase with tailored SBA loan solutions that made her dream a reality. Their personalized guidance and creative approach allowed Jackie to continue her family’s legacy, ensuring Carol’s remains a beloved part of the Blaine community for generations to come.
Visit Carol’s Restaurant in Blaine to experience the scratch-made goodness and family tradition that has delighted the community for decades. Call (763) 757-9700 for more information.
