You've probably driven past that spot on Lake Street South and wondered if the rumors were true. Honestly, if you live in Forest Lake, the question isn't whether you like a good deal—it's whether you can handle the chaotic, treasure-hunt energy of a Mike’s Discount Foods. For months, the local chatter has been building. People are tired of paying eight bucks for a bag of grapes at the big-box stores. They want the $1 organic yogurt and the weird, discontinued snacks that make life interesting.
So, let's get into the heart of it: When is Mike's Discount Foods opening in Forest Lake, MN?
While the sign at 828 Lake St S has been a beacon of hope for budget-conscious families, the "official" ribbon-cutting has been a bit of a moving target. If you’ve been following the expansion of this local cult favorite, you know they don't always do things by the corporate playbook. They move in when the space is ready and the shelves are stocked with whatever massive wholesale haul they just scored.
The Forest Lake Timeline: What We Know Right Now
As of early 2026, the progress at the Forest Lake site is unmistakable. For those who aren't familiar with the spot, it’s the old Shopko building area—a classic Mike's move. They love reviving large, vacant retail spaces that others find too "difficult" to manage.
The Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce has already added them to the business directory, which is usually the last step before the "Open" sign flips. While the owners, Mike and his team, haven't blasted a specific date on a billboard yet, the local buzz and construction progress suggest a launch is imminent. Historically, Mike's likes to open quietly to manage the initial surge of "deal hunters" before the word really gets out.
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Basically, if you see a line of cars and people walking out with boxes instead of bags, you'll know the doors are finally open.
Why This Isn't Just "Another Grocery Store"
If you're expecting a polished, perfectly manicured aisle like you'd find at a Wegmans or a high-end Kowalski's, you’re in for a shock. Mike’s is a surplus and salvage grocer. This means they buy the stuff other stores can't sell.
Why can't they sell it?
- The packaging changed (the horror!).
- It’s "short-dated" (near the "best by" date, which we all know is mostly a suggestion).
- It’s a seasonal item, like pumpkin spice cereal in May.
- It was a massive overstock from a major distributor.
It's a "buy it when you see it" kind of place. You might find a five-pound bag of high-end coffee for three dollars one Tuesday, and the next week it’s gone, replaced by a mountain of imported Italian pasta.
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The Real Talk on "Best By" Dates
Let's address the elephant in the room. A lot of people get wigged out by the idea of "discount" food. They think it's all expired or "bad." That is a total misconception.
In reality, the FDA doesn't even require "best by" dates on most foods (except infant formula). Those dates are set by manufacturers to indicate peak quality, not safety. Mike’s experts are master negotiators who snap up these products at a fraction of the cost. You're basically getting the same food you'd buy elsewhere, just without the "convenience tax" of a pretty display.
What to Expect at the Forest Lake Location
The Forest Lake store is poised to be one of their larger footprints. Based on the layout of their successful Anoka and Princeton locations, here is what you should prep your pantry for:
- The Treasure Hunt: You go in for milk; you leave with a 24-pack of coconut water, a giant box of frozen appetizers, and a weird Swedish candy you've never heard of.
- Box Shopping: Mike's famously stopped using T-shirt bags years ago. They provide free boxes from their shipments. It’s better for the environment and keeps their overhead low, which keeps your prices low.
- Specialty Diets for Cheap: This is the secret hack. Mike's often gets massive shipments of organic, gluten-free, and vegan products that didn't sell fast enough at "fancy" stores. If you're on a Keto or Paleo diet, this place is a goldmine.
How to Win at Shopping at Mike's
You can't shop here with a rigid list. If you need a specific brand of organic almond butter, you might be disappointed. But if you need a nut butter and you're open-minded, you'll save 50-70%.
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Honestly, the best strategy is to "Shop Mike's First."
Hit Mike's to see what they have. Maybe they have 10lb hams for $5. Maybe they have cases of Gatorade for pennies. After you've filled your cart with the "deals of the week," then you head over to the traditional grocery store to pick up the two or three specific items they didn't have.
Staying in the Loop
Since Mike's doesn't spend millions on TV ads, they rely on social media and their "Latest News" page. They often post "Truck Arrived" updates. When the Forest Lake store finally opens, those first few weeks will be legendary for the "Grand Opening" specials they typically run to introduce themselves to the neighborhood.
Actionable Next Steps for Forest Lake Residents
Don't just wait around for a flyer in the mail—it probably isn't coming. Here is how you stay ahead of the crowd:
- Stalk the Parking Lot: It sounds creepy, but seriously, keep an eye on the 828 Lake St S location. When you see the staff training and the "Now Hiring" signs come down, you're within days of an opening.
- Follow the Unofficial Groups: Local "Forest Lake Community" Facebook groups are usually the first to post a photo of the "Open" sign.
- Clear Out Your Freezer: When Mike's opens, you're going to find "too good to pass up" deals on frozen meats and veggies. Make sure you have the space to stockpile.
- Keep Cash or Card Ready: Mike's is modern, they take cards, but they don't do fancy "tap to pay" at every single location yet, so have your physical wallet handy just in case.
The arrival of Mike's Discount Foods in Forest Lake marks a big shift for the local economy. In a time when inflation is squeezing everyone, having a "relief valve" for grocery prices is huge. Keep your eyes peeled on Lake Street—the wait is almost over.