The Franklin building at 126 N. Minnesota has new owners and a new mission. The building hosts three separate venues; The Franklin, Benny’s and Frankie’s. Each is designed to meet different community needs; large-scale gatherings, casual dining, and small private functions.

NEW ULM – The Franklin building in downtown New Ulm is reopening this month as three separate venues operating under the same roof.

The three venues are The Franklin, Benny’s, and Frankie’s. Each is designed to meet different community needs; large-scale gatherings, casual dining, and small private functions.

The building was recently acquired by Franklin New Ulm LLC, an affiliate of Rebound Partners, along with local entrepreneur Topher Jacobson.

Jacobson is serving as part owner and operator of the building. He said Rebound approached him about taking over the operation side of the Franklin. After going through the building he realized the space needed to be separated into three unique operations.

Each of the three venue spaces has a different name playing on the building’s past as a former Ben Franklin store.

Topher Jacobson, part owner of The Franklin building in downtown New Ulm, points to the main entrance to the building on the 2st North Street side. The entrance is the main entrance for all three of the buildings venues: The Franklin, Benny’s and Frankie’s.

The Franklin is located on the ground floor level. Jacobson said this will serve as the event venue for large-scale gatherings and celebrations. The space seats 200 to 300 people. The Franklin is not intended to operate every day; only when it is reserved or during special event.

Benny’s will be located on the mezzanine level above The Franklin. The venue is designed as a casual bar and pizza restaurant that will operate on a regular schedule.

Jacobson said Benny’s is the place where customers can come Monday through Friday without reservation or where parents can bring a visiting sports team in between tournament games.

“They can come in and eat quickly and get back to the field,” Jacobson said.

Frankie’s is designed as an intimate event space for small private functions of around 40 people. During the warm months, the outdoor patio could seat another 40. Frankie’s will also feature an on-site catering service to support events.

Local entrepreneur Topher Jacobson stands in the kitchen of Frankie’s, the top floor of the Franklin building. Jacobson recently partnered with Rebound Partners to acquire the building and reopen as three district venuess.

Jacobson said Frankie’s is intended as a private space. Only the party who reserves the space will have access. Members of the party are given a special key FOB to access the elevator that takes them to the top floor.

No matter which venue customers are visiting, everyone should use the building’s side entrance on 2st North. The side entrance provides easy access to either The Franklin, Benny’s or Frankie’s.

“We want the community to know that we are flexible,” Jacobson said.

There is potential to expand offering once the venues have opened up. He said there will likely be special theme events at The Franklin such as sushi night or “Country Pub.”

“We’re incredibly excited to breathe new life into this cornerstone of downtown New Ulm,” Jacobson said. “By segmenting the building into multiple venues with distinct purposes, we believed we can better serve the community, support local events and create a sustainable dynamic destination for years to come.”

Both The Franklin and Frankie’s have already begun accepting reservations. Reservation for The Franklin can be made at https://nufranklin.com/

Jacobson said Benny’s is expected to open in mid to late June. They are currently waiting on the installation of a new pizza oven.