Tony Donatell
ON THE RECORD · 19 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“I came and looked at his kitchen. I looked at the operation. I looked at the neighborhood and just really loved the opportunity,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell recalls evaluating the Lakeville gas station opportunity before renting the properties.
“In a few months, we'll be opening what's going to be called the Withdrawing Room,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell announces plans to expand The Farmer's Cellar into a new event space called the Withdrawing Room.
“really fun escape from the world.”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell describes the speakeasy as offering an escape from everyday life.
“Unfortunately, it's part of operating in today's economic challenges of inflationary pricing.”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell explains why he's had to raise menu prices due to inflation.
“Word spread. People started bringing their friends in. People were like, 'Hey, you gotta check out this gas station. They have the best food in town.'”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell describes how word of mouth boosted food sales after he overhauled the Eagan convenience store's menu.
“come have fun and forget about everything else for a little while.”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell describes the intended experience for customers at the planned Withdrawing Room expansion.
“pulling out every cooler door, every shelving unit in the store, trying to figure out where they're supposed to go,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell describes customers struggling to find the speakeasy's hidden entrance.
“As is typical in business, sometimes you have restaurants that aren't making money — or are losing money — but the immediate success of this one has helped level up our entire hospitality group,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell discusses how The Farmer's Cellar's success has benefited the broader Wondrous Collective business group.
“Guests are looking for experiences right now in this tough economy,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell explains why customers are drawn to experiential dining like the speakeasy.
“People are enthralled with the idea of discovering something new.”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell explains why customers are drawn to novel experiences like the speakeasy.
“put on a fun show,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell describes bartenders using centrifuges, dry ice and liquid nitrogen in cocktail preparation.
“It takes money to hire great people who take good care of our guests.”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell explains the cost of hiring quality staff to serve guests.
“you have to provide an incredible experience,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell discusses the need to offer a strong customer experience amid economic pressures.
“always the biggest expense”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell discusses labor as the largest expense in the hospitality business.
“You really feel like you're back in the roaring twenties,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell describes the Prohibition-era ambiance inside The Farmer's Cellar.
“We basically turned a gas station into a restaurant that happens to sell gas,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell jokes about transforming a gas station into a restaurant operation.
“kind of dark, kind of gross”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell recalls his first impression of the Eagan gas station property he purchased 17 years ago.
“those numbers completely flipped,”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell describes how the convenience store's finances improved after the speakeasy opened.
“That mix, along with high margins on cocktails, allows us to be profitable.”
Tony Donatell · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donatell explains how the beverage-heavy sales mix and cocktail margins keep the business profitable.