Bloomington’s beloved Greek restaurant, Gyropolis, has significantly expanded, tripling its size from 1,400 square feet to approximately 4,000 square feet. The restaurant has taken over the site of a previously vacant gas station, transforming a blighted corner at West 90th Street and Penn Avenue South into a vibrant space.
The city played a crucial role in this redevelopment, approving a tax increment financing district to incentivize the project. Additionally, the Bloomington Port Authority provided a matching façade improvement grant of $24,999, while Gyropolis received a $58,400 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. City officials also assisted with rezoning and public infrastructure.
Owner Constantine “Dino” Contolatis expressed gratitude for the city’s unique support, highlighting the positive impact on the community without the displacement typically associated with large projects. “If they can get funding, why can’t a small business?” he said, emphasizing the improvement made to the corner.
Following a brief closure for construction, Gyropolis has reopened with increased seating, a new kitchen, a drive-thru lane for online orders, and an outdoor patio. Early soft opening days have seen impressive turnout, with lines out the door, according to Bloomington Economic Development Analyst Mike Palermo.
Contolatis purchased the gas station property for $429,000 in 2020, having envisioned this expansion for years. He’s determined to remain an independent business owner rather than be absorbed into a strip centre.
The city has ramped up its support for small businesses in recent years, especially after federal funding during the pandemic. Efforts like the Hatch Bloomington competition aim to bolster local entrepreneurship and keep businesses thriving in the area.
For Contolatis, the focus is clear: he aims to continue providing quality food sourced from local ingredients for years to come, with no plans for further expansion.