Serving Roseau County for over 100 Years - The Official Roseau County Newspaper
by Laurel Latham
Open since August 20th and creatively named Peace Grenades, Roseau's new business is owned by enthusiastic entrepreneurs Kevin and Paige Broten.
"We are so excited to be in Roseau and growing a business in our hometown," explained Kevin Broten. "We sell our own Peace Grenade apparel as well as take orders for custom silk screen printing. Our clothes are designed for comfort, style and cause. We believe in supporting causes: Save the Boundary Waters, The Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society and I'm a Minnesota Conservation volunteer."
Located at 609 3rd St. N.W., Peace Grenades' atmosphere is upbeat and inviting, with racks of colorful clothing and great music to make browsing enjoyable.
"Paige works full-time at Sandpiper Design, but volunteers 10 hours a week in the evenings to work on graphic design and social media for Peace Grenades," explained Kevin. "Paige attended UND for Graphic Design and worked in Grand Forks. I moved to the Twin Cities to attend Bethel College and work, but then we both moved back to Roseau. Paige didn't necessarily plan to move back, but then she met me one night at Gene's and we hit it off," Kevin chuckled. "That was four years ago!"
Kevin Broten's optimism is just as catchy as the name of his business.
"Someday we are hoping that Roseau can brag that Peace Grenades' very first store opened in Roseau. Roseau Times-Region today, New York Times tomorrow!"
Kevin is quick to give credit where credit is due.
"Our business, Peace Grenades, has had so much help getting up and going from family and friends," reports Kevin. "Our grandparents, our cousins, so many friends are happy to support us! Paige and I are fortunate to have so many friends and family in the area. We've pretty much outfitted our whole family," joked Kevin.
"Peace Grenades is decorated with my Grandpa Newell Broten's woodworking and then we decided to sell his items as well; bird houses, adirondack chairs, Minnesota signs constructed from rustic boards."
Paige and Kevin Broten designed and built their Peace Grenades' sign after encouragement from another Roseau business owner.
"Bob Lund stopped in when we first opened," said Kevin. "He asked me where our sign was since signs were important!"
Peace Grenades Apparel is conveniently located on the north side of Hwy 11, just west of the Holiday Station. Kevin is more than ready to transfer your design idea onto a comfortable t-shirt or sweatshirt for your business, sports team or gift for a friend.
"We are open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but will start having Saturday hours in the near future, probably after deer season," explained Kevin.
Peace Grenades Apparel can be reached at 612-716-2643. Find them on facebook, instagram, snapchat, world wide web and youtube.
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