By Tim Krohn
MANKATO — A local pizza landmark will soon be moving.
Jake’s Stadium Pizza is looking for a new location after reaching an agreement in principle with CVS Pharmacy to lease the land at the corner of Stadium Road and Monks Avenue near the university campus.
Jake’s owner Wally Boyer said CVS will use at least part of the property that includes Jake’s, the Stadium Plaza strip mall next door and the former Maggie’s building.
Boyer said he is still in negotiations on a new location for Jake’s but said moving into the former Maggie’s building is one option.
CVS earlier announced plans to also build a store on Madison Avenue, not far across the street from the new Walgreens.
CVS Caremark Corp. is the largest provider of prescriptions and related health-care services in the nation. The company has more than 6,300 stores nationwide.
The late Vernon “Sarge” Carstensen bought the failing Stadium Pizza in 1972 and renamed it Jake’s Stadium Pizza after a family member.
In 1997, Carstensen sold Jake’s to his son-in-law and daughter, Wally and Brenda Boyer.
The family also operated Jake’s in other area communities.
The pizza parlor was a famed hangout for Vikings football players during summer training camp, particularly in the 1970s when there were few other restaurants or bars in the campus area.
Carstensen’s widow, Norma, and her family members own the land that will be leased by CVS.
