Local Business Spotlight: The Big Lake & Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop

For the past six years, Abby Tofte, owner of The Big Lake in Grand Marais, has grown her art gallery and gift shop into a welcoming space for visitors and residents. The store features jewelry, greeting cards, artwork, handmade goods from local artists, and various other North Shore trinkets. 

“We’re just a feel good shop,” Tofte said. “That is really what I think we do best; we create a really positive, welcoming experience at The Big Lake.”

Recently, Tofte expanded her business endeavors to include another unique welcoming space in Grand Marais: Lady Superior Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop. 

With her entrepreneurial spirit and the support of family and friends, Tofte opened the new business next door to The Big Lake earlier this spring, during Memorial Day weekend. Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop offers a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, CBD products, and THC-infused drinks. The new space also includes a tasting room.

Since expanding her business, Tofte said she has received significant support and interest from residents and visitors along the North Shore.

“It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life to open that shop,” she said.  

The non-alcoholic bottle shop is open year-round and will host tastings and small events in the new space. This winter, Tofte said Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop will be open Wednesdays-Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop & The Big Lake Owner Abby Tofte

Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop Tasting Room

During the upcoming holiday season, Tofte intends to host festive-themed non-alcoholic tastings for individuals wanting to learn how to craft fun non-alcoholic beverages at home. “So we’re trying to get into like that fun cocktail feel with the NA beverage world,” she said. 

In late October, Tofte was recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. During the Oct. 24 Visit Cook County and Cook County Chamber of Commerce Fall Gala, Tofte was awarded the Chamber Business Leader of the Year award. Tofte and Jim Vick, manager of Lutsen Mountains tied for the award.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Abby Tofte, owner of The Big Lake and Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop in Grand Marais, for the latest edition of the Local Business Spotlight. Tofte shared more about her inspiration to start Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop, how the 2024 summer was for both of her businesses, thoughts on the Chamber Business Leader of the Year award, and what the future holds. The audio from the feature is below.

The Local Business Spotlight highlights our local business community’s economic strength and innovation. This feature is brought to you in partnership with Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce.

Kalli Hawkins October 31, 2024