Hey Chanhassen! Cars & Caves opens this Saturday — which means it's officially warm enough to stand outside and pretend you know the difference between a Camaro and a Corvette. We're also spotlighting a breakfast spot that started in a firehouse, the Red Birds have an update on their 2026 season, and the Community Center just hit a big milestone. Here's what's chanhappenin'.
Old St. Hubert Church — Discussions Could Begin as Early as Next Week
There's movement on Old St. Hubert Church. The Save Old St. Hubert (SOS) Committee — made up of Chanhassen neighbors and community members — has one goal: a community-wide discussion about the future of the historic church.
The committee is hoping those discussions can begin as early as the week of April 27th, with a focus on possible repurposing and restoration options. They've also launched a Facebook page as the central hub for updates going forward.
Follow the SOS Committee on Facebook to stay informed — and stay tuned, we'll keep covering this every week.
If you're just catching up on this story — Old St. Hubert Church is the last original building in downtown Chanhassen and is currently facing demolition. Read the full story here.
And if you haven't signed the petition yet, there's still time — sign here.
Chanhassen is known for its beautiful lakes — but do you know exactly how many are fully or partially within city limits?
Scroll down for the answer
Hope Breakfast Bar — The Restaurant That Started With a Firehouse
Hope Breakfast Bar isn't your typical breakfast chain. The story starts in 2019, when chef Brian Ingram and his wife Sarah discovered a historic St. Paul firehouse slated for demolition — the oldest firehouse in Minnesota's capital city. Locals had chained themselves to the building to stop a developer from tearing it down. The Ingrams fell in love with it, restored it on a shoestring budget, and named their restaurant after the building that almost didn't survive: Hope Engine Company No. 3.
When hard times hit in 2020, Brian and Sarah didn't close their doors — they opened them wider, turning Hope into a community kitchen and forming a nonprofit, Give Hope, to feed healthcare workers and neighbors in need. That spirit never left. Today Hope donates 3% of all sales back to the community, and their staff is built intentionally around people navigating personal journeys — creating a workplace that looks after its own in an industry notorious for burning people out. The food world noticed too — Brian competed on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay, going up against some of the best in the business with what he does better than anyone: breakfast.
With locations now stretching across the Twin Cities, Chanhassen is one of their latest — and we're lucky to have them.
The menu doesn't do ordinary. Forget omelets and eggs Benedict — Hope does Carrot Cake Pancakes, Red Velvet Waffles, Banana Churro Waffles, and a Sunrise Chili Crunch Bowl that'll make you rethink everything you thought breakfast could be. Brunch cocktails served all day. Kids eat free on Tuesdays.
Hope Breakfast Bar Chanhassen: 464 Lake Dr E · Open daily 7:00AM–2:00PM · hopebreakfast.com
Want Your Business Featured in What's Chanhappenin'?
Every week we spotlight a Chanhassen business and tell the story behind it — currently read by 750+ subscribers and growing fast, with new neighbors joining every single day.
If you're a locally owned business and want to be considered for a future issue, we'd love to hear from you. From business spotlights to sponsored placements, there are several ways to get in front of the Chanhassen community. Fill out our form at whatschanhappenin.com/get-featured and we'll be in touch.
Community Center Rendering, City of Chanhassen
Chanhassen Red Birds Sitting Out 2026
The Chanhassen Red Birds have announced they will not be participating in the 2026 season. The club is focused on rebuilding and expects to return to the diamond in 2027. If you're a baseball fan or former player interested in getting involved, now might be a good time to reach out to the organization. Check out their Facebook page here for future updates.
Chanhassen Community Center — From Blueprints to Bulldozers
The City Council approved the first round of construction contracts on April 13, totaling approximately $11.4 million across three areas — structural concrete, precast wall panels, and site utilities. All bids came in at or below estimates, which is good news for the project's budget. The precast wall panels alone take five to six months to produce, so locking those in early keeps the overall timeline on track. A second bid package covering remaining project components and alternates is expected in June, including consideration of gymnasium flooring — a topic the city says it has received a high volume of emails about. Construction is anticipated to begin this year, with completion targeted for spring 2028.
Avienda Development — Reviewing Concepts
The City Council and staff continue meeting with developers on the Avienda Development, reviewing concepts and providing feedback. The city has confirmed that a grocer is under contract for a 65,000 square foot store — though no public announcement has been made yet as details are being finalized. When it drops, Chanhassen will have a significant new grocery option right in its backyard. We'll keep you updated as details emerge.
Road Projects & Construction
Construction season is underway and a number of street projects are active across Chanhassen. The best way to stay ahead of delays and detours is to sign up for email updates directly from the city — you can choose which projects to follow and get notified as things change. View the full list of current projects at chanhassenmn.gov.
Market Boulevard Improvements — A More Focused Plan Moving Forward
After years of evaluating multiple designs, the City Council has approved a targeted set of improvements for Market Boulevard rather than a full-scale overhaul. The plan includes an enhanced pedestrian and bicycle path on the east side, street repaving, a traffic signal replacement at 78th Street and Market Boulevard, extended repaving north of 78th Street including Chan View, and improvements at the railroad crossing. With various closures expected this summer, city staff is coordinating special events to support local businesses. Stay tuned for event updates and construction timelines at chanhassenmn.gov.
Highway 5 Construction — What to Expect This Summer
The Highway 5/Arboretum Area Transportation Plan is now underway, with significant work planned along Highway 5 between Highway 41 in Chanhassen and downtown Victoria over the next two years. Detours and road closures will be necessary at various points throughout the project. Carver County is the lead agency — direct specific questions or concerns to their project team at [email protected] or 952-491-9373.
For residents in the Longacres neighborhood and along Minnewashta Parkway already feeling the impact of increased cut-through traffic, the city has added signage, implemented traffic calming measures, installed crosswalk bollards, and requested increased patrols from the Carver County Sheriff's Office.
“If you live near Chanhassen High School like I do, you probably heard it too — the announcers and music are back. Outdoor sports are in full swing baby!”
— Greg P.
We know Chanhassen is full of good people doing good things every single day — we just need you to tell us about it.
Send your story to [email protected] — a sentence or two is all it takes. The best submission each week gets a $10 gift card to a local Chanhassen business.
Cars & Caves — Opening Day at Chanhassen AutoPlex
The best free event of the spring is back. Cars & Caves opens its 2026 season this Saturday at Chanhassen AutoPlex — and if you've never been, this is the weekend to change that.
Over 300 vehicles on display across the AutoPlex campus, from classic muscle cars and antiques to exotics and vintage motorcycles. Past shows have featured the Batmobile, the Green Hornet, and the armored truck from Mission Impossible III. Each show benefits a local charity, with a voluntary contribution at the door.
It's completely free, it's right here in Chanhassen, and it's unlike anything else in the suburbs.
Saturday April 25 · 9:00AM–1:00PM · Chanhassen AutoPlex · Free Admission · Donations go to Wishes & More · chanhassenautoplex.com
Native Garden Design Workshop · Wednesday April 22 · Chanhassen Recreation Center · Learn how to incorporate native plants into your yard this spring · Details here.
Friends of the Chanhassen Library Spring Book Sale · April 23–27 · Chanhassen Library · Gently used books for all ages. Thu 4–8PM · Fri & Sat 10AM–5PM · Sun 1–4PM ($5/bag) · Mon FREE. Proceeds support the library's programs and collection. More info on Facebook.
Garden Tool Swap · Saturday April 25 · 10:00AM–12:00PM · Outside the Chanhassen Recreation Center · Free · Bring unneeded shovels, rakes, pots, planters, garden decor — take what you need. No need to bring anything to participate. More info here.
Happenin’ Soon
Arbor Day Tree Planting at South Lotus Lake Park · Saturday May 2 · 9:00AM · South Lotus Lake Park · Free · No registration required · For more than 20 years Chanhassen has celebrated Arbor Day by planting trees in a local park. This year volunteers will plant 20 trees across eight species at South Lotus Lake Park. The city provides gloves and shovels — just wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Stick around after for refreshments, milkweed seed bombs, and some frisbee. chanhassenmn.gov
Modern Calligraphy for Beginners at The O.G. Coffee & Wine Bar · Sunday May 3 · 3:00–4:30PM · The O.G. Coffee & Wine Bar · Learn modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink — covering all the basics from snail mail to wedding paper goods. Kit included and yours to keep. Perfect for stationery lovers, DIY brides, or anyone looking for a fun afternoon out. · Get tickets
Mother's Day at The O.G. Coffee & Wine Bar · Sunday May 10 · 9:00AM · The O.G. Coffee & Wine Bar · Start her morning with a yoga session, followed by brunch and a drink — all wrapped up in a curated gift package. Additional items available for purchase. · Secure her gift & spot
Scroll down for what’s “Happenin’ Every Week”
Kerber Farm (present day McDonald’s and Chanhassen Estates) - Chanhassen Historical Society
1964 — A fire destroyed Harold Kerber’s barn (pictured above) on August 25, 1964. It was located where McDonalds and Chanhassen Estates neighborhood are today. The event inspired Mayor Coulter to organize a local fire department.
Source: Chanhassen Historical Society
12 lakes — Chanhassen is home to 12 lakes within city limits, including Lotus Lake, Lake Ann, Lake Minnewashta, Lake Susan, and Lake Lucy, among others.
Trivia Mafia at Hackamore Brewing · Every Wednesday · 7:00PM · Hackamore Brewing — check triviamafia.com/hackamore for the current schedule and theme nights.
Two Pints & A Pizza Night · Every Monday · Hackamore Brewing · Good beer, good food, and a golf simulator · Check hackamorebrewing.com for current schedule.
Live Music at Moe's Char House · Every Saturday · 6:00–9:30PM · Great food, handcrafted drinks, and live acoustic music. A perfect low-key Saturday night.
Live Music at Brindisi's Pub · Every Tuesday · 6:00–8:30PM · Right next door to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres · Dog friendly patio when weather allows · Happy hour 2–6 PM.