T.J. Hooligan’s Pub & Grub has opened its second location in the Twin Cities, taking over the former Campiello spot at Shady Oak Center in Eden Prairie. After three months of renovations, the Irish pub-style restaurant officially opened on Sept. 23.
Owner Mike Newlin said the new spot at 6411 City West Parkway, just off Shady Oak Road, provides a mid-to-high-level pub and grub experience, with unique touches like a 1934 Harley-Davidson hanging from the ceiling and a replica Eddie Van Halen guitar.
The menu offers 78 items, including appetizers, burgers, pizzas, and a selection of American, Italian, and Mexican dishes – all made from scratch using recipes developed over 42 years.
“Everyone who’s come in so far has been really amazed by how the place looks and some of the unique things we have inside,” Newlin said.
The original T.J. Hooligan’s in Prior Lake has been around since 1983. Newlin, who bought the restaurant 2 1/2 years ago, decided to expand to Eden Prairie, a location he believes will draw strong lunch and happy hour crowds.
“It’s a great location, which is one of the reasons I decided to do it,” he said. “I love the building, and Eden Prairie is a really nice fit for us. Plus, it’s close enough to Prior Lake that, if we need to, we can bring employees up here and do some cross-promotions.”
To ensure a smooth launch, Newlin brought over experienced managers, cooks, and bartenders from the Prior Lake location. New hires were required to train in Prior Lake before starting in Eden Prairie, learning the restaurant’s systems and menu.
“We kind of flew under the radar (the first week) because I wanted my kitchen staff and new servers to get their feet under them before we picked up speed,” he said. “Now, more people are realizing we’re open, and we’re starting to get busier.”
The renovation was hands-on, with Newlin, his family, friends, and even employees pitching in to paint and clean. “We handled it all, top to bottom,” he said. “It turned out just the way I wanted, but it was a long process, and we went over budget. Still, it looks really, really nice, and I think people will be impressed when they see it.”
The restaurant will host its first Vikings-Packers party this Sunday. Newlin hopes Eden Prairie locals will come out to enjoy the game on the restaurant’s seven 70-inch TVs and one 85-inch screen, as well as the Vikings specials.
“I looked at the schedule and said, ‘Well, we have to be open by the (Sept. 29) Vikings-Packers game. We have to be open for that,'” he said.
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