COMO—Manning’s Service Station, a family-owned, full-service auto garage that has been a fixture at 2404 Como Ave. SE for more than 60 years, closed on March 31.

Longtime owner Jerry Manning, who started working at the station in 1958 and later inherited it from his father, Roy, said he plans to sell the business. A sale is under negotiation, and Jerry hopes a new owner would continue the tradition led by three generations of Mannings.

Jerry cited numerous market forces for the closing, including a shift in the industry to “on-the-go” service. Manning’s offered all kinds of car repair, and there were always clerks available to lend customers a hand.

“I felt that was the kind of service people deserved,” said Jerry, who retired with his wife to Ogilvie, Minn., a few years ago.

In 2001, Jerry’s sons Steve and Jim took over management of the garage. Now, both are pursuing new careers.

The Mannings’ roots in the neighborhood run deep. Just two blocks west of the station, Manning’s Cafe will celebrate its 75th anniversary on June 2. (Watch for an upcoming story on that celebration at www.readthe bridge.info and in our June issue.) Jerry’s grandfather Edward opened the establishment in 1932. Now, Larry Manning (Jerry’s cousin) owns and operates the diner with his son, Mike.

Over time, both businesses expanded and new additions were built on; Jerry boasted that his Rolodex contained the names of loyal customers who came from all over the seven-county area. “We had a good run,” said Jerry. “Southeast Minneapolis was good to us, and I like to think we were good to them, too.”

last revised: June 14, 2007

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