A business shoe-in

Carmen LaPlant cuts the ribbon at the grand reopening celebration at Burger's Shoes in Cloquet on Dec. 9 surrounded by family and friends. LaPlant is the new owner of the store after taking over from Maria Leyrer, standing left of LaPlant, whose father, Ludwig Burger, started the store 54 years ago. At right, the two women hug after the ceremony.

The store, at 1609 Carlton Ave., is now in the hands of LaPlant, who worked under Leyrer for seven years. "We knew we had to make it work so this legacy could go on and support another person," Leyrer told the Pine Knot News for a story printed this past fall. "She's taking on a big endeavor, but she's young and amazing. It's a win-win, for sure.

"I'm very close to my family and this is a family- owned business and I feel like I'm a member of the family. It's a cool thing that's happening here," LaPlant told the Pine Knot. She doesn't plan to make any big changes, just a few decor updates and a couple of new brands, she said.