New Rochester businesses bring family fun back to the area

(ABC 6 NEWS) – New local businesses are popping up around Rochester and their owners say they’re trying to help the community recover from the pandemic. Those who walk into Chip Shots in the old Shopko North building see golf, pickleball, and race car driving.

The owners realized there were not many family-friendly activities in the area, and wanted to change that.

"It gives our kids something to do. We are a great family-oriented business. There’s not a lot of places in town that can allow that," said Nick Vreeman, one of six co-owners.

Then, the pandemic hit.

"COVID hit. That kind of put a halt to everything," Vreeman added.

Across town, another business will open with the same goal.

"What do we want as a community? What can be both family-friendly and exciting altogether?" said Leah Driscoll, one of the co-owners of LC’s – a new event center.

Driscoll’s venue will be available for public and private events. The owners say the space could be used for anything from wedding receptions, to open mic comedy nights.

"You can have your wedding. You can have your ceremony and your reception. But we can also bring a little family-oriented nightlife back into the community as well," she said.

Driscoll also mentioned live music and beer tastings as other events she would like to host. The pandemic also delayed LC’s, but the owners are confident they can bring back family-friendly nightlife.

"We are hoping to bring a sense of community back to this location," she said.

LC’s does not have an official opening date yet, but they’re shooting for the summer of 2022. The public can start making reservations for the space on May 1.