In the photo: Randy Schroeder, Frandsen Bank & Trust; Trevor Park, United Prairie Bank; Topher Jacobson, Lana Bianchi, NU Franklin; Jennifer Brandes, Jennifer Brandes Photography; Sarah Warmka, New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce

The Willkommen Committee of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated a ribbon cutting at NU Franklin, where Topher Jacobson and Lana Bianchi are leading the vision for what is quickly becoming a new gathering place for food and live music in Downtown New Ulm.

Located in the historic Ben Franklin building at 126 N Minnesota St, NU Franklin blends woodfired pizza with a strong focus on live entertainment. The woodfired oven has been in use for just over 90 days, and the team currently operates with QR-code menus while continuing to refine and expand their offerings. Live music is featured every Saturday in the ballroom and on Thursdays in the bar or “Benny’s”, so named after Ben Franklin, all with no cover charge. The owners shared their goal of helping bring live music back to New Ulm, building on the community’s rich musical history.

NU Franklin also partners with Sweet Haven Tonics, allowing guests to order food via QR code and have it delivered to Sweet Haven’s lounge, with hopes of expanding this service to other downtown locations. The business currently employs a team of about 10, with additional staff hired as needed for banquet service.

NU Franklin is open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 4 p.m., with hours potentially expanding during the tourism season. Event schedules and live music updates are available on their website and Facebook page.

Thank you, NU Franklin, for your investment in New Ulm and for choosing to join the Chamber!