An Old Bank Becomes A Dream Come True

Brookings, SD

 Four women in Brookings started out wanting to start a unique business and now that business is taking off. The Old Market Galleria fully opened Saturday and its final addition is a full restaurant.

"This past Saturday was our first full menu day opening and we were just completely slammed but people are very positive and the reviews are great we are excited to keep tweaking it and grow," co-owner of The Old Market Galleria Jael Thorpe said.

Part of the store has been open for the past two weeks to give the community a taste of what was to come.

"We opened our bar and bake shop about two weeks ago and that was just to kind of have a chance to practice and get chance to practice and get comfortable with everything and have a sneak peak of what we are all about," Thorpe said.

Over the summer, blogging was a big part of how they got the community involved in their project. 

"I've been really pleased to see all the support that I think people felt like they got to be a part of it.  And so now they are enjoying the product," Thorpe said.

With everything from a hair salon to a yoga studio, these women have worked to create a destination for people to spend the day.

"Everything has been going really great.  We couldn't be happier with the way the opening went. We've been steady for every shift we've had has a lot of people just saying it's been a great new addition to Brookings and they are excited to see something new and a new option. I think we did what we were hoping to do," Old Market Galleria co-owner Katie Knutson said.

What they hope to do is simple.

"We just want to keep doing what we are doing and offer a high-quality meal and a different experience," Knutson said.

To find out more about the new businesses, visit the Old Market Galleria website.