A Speakeasy Inside a Gas Station Generates Nearly $5 Million in Revenue
Tony Donatell has successfully turned an unassuming gas station convenience store into The Farmer’s Cellar, an upscale speakeasy-style bar and restaurant located in Lakeville, Minnesota. Opened in May 2025 by his restaurant group Wondrous Collective, the business generated nearly $5 million in its first year of operation. Despite economic pressures leading many consumers to dine out less frequently due to rising costs, The Farmer’s Cellar has become a popular weekend destination with long lines on Fridays and Saturdays. Donatell's strategy leverages unique dining experiences as an escape for guests during tough financial times. His approach is not new—he previously transformed another gas station in Eagan into a successful restaurant complex featuring Burgers and Bottles and Volstead House, turning the site from struggling to thriving through menu innovation and community appeal. The Farmer’s Cellar exemplifies how unconventional locations can be reimagined for high-end dining experiences. By combining convenience with culinary creativity, Donatell has carved out a niche in an otherwise challenging market.
Topics: economic trends entrepreneurship restaurant industry