Grizzly’s to reveal a reimagined restaurant

After more than 10 years in Jamestown as Grizzly’s Grill N’ Saloon, the local bar and restaurant is taking on a new name and a fresh presentation.

On April 30, the saloon will become the Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill — something that Grizzly’s CEO and co-founder Steve Letnes said is the next step for the establishment.

“This is just marks the progression of our restaurant. We plan to take all of our Grizzly’s locations to wood-fired grills,” he said.

Grizzly’s opened its first chain 17 years ago back in 1995.

Chad Hollingsworth, the Jamestown restaurant’s general manager, said talks about the changeover have been taking place for approximately the past year.

He said Grizzly’s has seen increased sales totals over that time period and he has been satisfied with the staff’s work as well.

There are already eight Wood-Fired Grill locations throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota. The location in Minot is the only one with a wood-fired grill in the state so far.

The three other Grizzly’s locations — in Bismarck, Fargo and Willmar, Minn. — are currently listed as Grizzly’s Grill N’ Saloon.

“This is a good thing. It’s something for the people of Jamestown to get really excited about,” Hollingsworth said.

Letnes said the changeover in other locations has been “well-received” and he hopes for the same in Jamestown.

More than just simply a name change, the bar and restaurant will take on a remodel from April 22-29.

One of the biggest changes is a white oak log fire and rotisserie grill, which will be featured in the front of the restaurant. Letnes said it will be featured “front and center” and actually allow customers to watch the meat cook right before their eyes.

“We have great quality food right now as it is, but nothing beats slow-roasting, rotisserie-cooked food. Anyone who has tasted that kind of food can tell you it’s a better product,” Hollingsworth said.

A rejuvenated menu will feature new items that emphasize being “wood-fired” such as beef brisket, roasted chicken and pork shoulders.

Hollingsworth said a fresh presentation of the restaurant and new décor would give the place a different look overall, something he feels good about.

“We want to make it feel richer inside for everyone that comes in,” he said.

Letnes said he would not consider it a major remodel, as many of the biggest changes would take place in the kitchen.

“There’s a lot of new equipment going in that the customers simply won’t see, but is necessary to accommodate our new menu,” he said.

Letnes said the company is anticipating a sales increase upon reopening as well, which has paved the way for job openings here in Jamestown.

“This has opened up an assistant general manager spot, plus we’re hiring for pretty much every type of position on staff,” Hollingsworth said.

For more information on Grizzly’s, visit www.grizzlysgrill.com or call the Jamestown chain at 253-9700.

Sun reporter Brian Willhide can be reached at 701-952-8454 or by email at bwillhide@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local business, business