» Industry: Business and Retail
» Location: Hinckley, MN
» System Size (DC): 91 KW DC
Client Introduction
For more than 75 years, Tobies Restaurant and Bakery has been a well-known stop for travelers along I-35 in Hinckley, Minnesota. The family-owned business is operated by Chris Hickle, who runs it alongside his sister, Pam Zabrok, and their mother, Sue. Chris represents the third generation to carry on the business started by his grandfather in 1948. Throughout its history, Tobies has continually evolved to serve new generations of customers, from expanding its menu to improving operations. Most recently, Tobies took a major step forward in sustainability by installing a rooftop solar array with Cedar Creek Energy.
Project Background
Chris had considered solar for decades but found that the return on investment wasn’t strong enough in earlier years. With today’s more efficient technology and available tax incentives, the investment finally made sense. The system is projected to achieve a full return on investment in just three years and then cut Tobies’ electric bills by roughly 50 percent.
Cedar Creek’s Approach
Project Manager Matt Gibbs, originally from Duluth, was familiar with the classic roadside stop on the way up north and decided to visit Tobies Restaurant and Bakery to discuss solar opportunities. He helped Chris understand how federal tax credits and grant programs could make solar affordable.
“Matt has been a great person to work with. He did a great job explaining the tax credits and financial portion. I needed the numbers to work to ensure long-term savings for another 75 years!” — Chris Hickle
Cedar Creek Energy designed a system tailored to Tobies’ dual-service electrical setup, directly offsetting energy use from the HVAC units. Installation was completed with no disruption to the busy restaurant and bakery, which remained fully operational throughout the process.
“Tobies has been a household name in the community for years,” said Matt. “It was great to help them find a solar solution that fits their needs perfectly, delivering a short ROI and a long lifetime of power savings.”
Results and Impact
Tobies Restaurant and Bakery will offset about half of its annual electric costs by producing its own power. The system represents the next step in the company’s long history of adapting to change.
Chris said the decision to go solar was a natural evolution for the long-standing business.
“Tobies has been part of the community since 1948, and over the past 77 years our business has continually evolved. Investing in solar is the next step, giving us control over our energy costs well into the 21st century. With the support of grants and tax incentives, the system will pay for itself in just three years, and from then on it will cut our electric bills by about half.”
Cedar Creek Energy is proud to partner with local businesses like Tobies Restaurant and Bakery to help them take control of their energy future. Contact us today to learn how your organization can take advantage of current solar incentives and long-term savings.
