Annandale’s oldest tavern, shuttered since December, has new owners and will re-open soon under a new name.
Tim and Mary Frei of Bloomington have purchased JJ’s Bar on Main Street and last week began the task of cleaning, redecorating and re-stocking the establishment.
They plan to operate the establishment as the Annandale Roadhouse and open as soon as they receive state licensing approval.
JJ’s Bar closed at the end of last year with then-owner Scott Kurr citing financial losses he attributed to the recession and the statewide ban on indoor smoking that took effect in 2007. The bar had been in operation for 75 years and was the first in Annandale to be licensed following the repeal of prohibition.
The Frei’s are no strangers to the bar business. Thirty-five years ago they had a successful run with a joint on Lowery Avenue in North Minneapolis, but gave it up to raise a family.
That family – four children and their spouses – will join them in operating the Frei’s latest venture.
"You can definitely call this a family project," said Mary Frei. "The kids are going to have a hand in it and we’ve even had some of our 11 grandkids helping out with cleaning and painting."
Diamond in the rough
The Frei’s had been looking for a tavern to buy for several months when they found JJ’s Bar listed for sale on the internet.
Tim, a Navy veteran and co-owner of a heating and cooling service company, had visited JJ’s several times when passing through Annandale, so he was well aware of the business.
Attempts to get more information about the listing were unsuccessful so the Frei’s began exploring other options.
Mary, a special education paraprofessional in the Minneapolis School District for 30 years, said the couple found another establishment for sale in Norwood-Young America and had decided to make an offer on the business.
"The day before we were going to submit an offer we finally got a call about JJ’s, so we had our choice between the two and we chose Annandale."
It was an easy decision, since the Frei’s had wanted to buy JJ’s Bar from the start.
"It’s a diamond in the rough," said Tim. "Plus, we’ve always liked the community. We love small towns … especially this one. People make us feel welcome in Annandale. We’re happy to become part of the community."
Back to its glory
The Frei’s business plan calls for emphasizing food and music at the Annandale Roadhouse.
According to Mary, the menu will include daily lunch specials and menu selections made from fresh ingredients. The couple plans on using local meat markets, the Maple Lake bakery and the Annandale Farmer’s Market as some of their suppliers.
"I’m not big on frozen food you just heat up. We plan on serving good, fresh, homemade food, not frozen."
The tavern will once again offer off-sale in the back and as much live music and entertainment as possible. Tables and umbrellas will be added to the back patio and several televisions will adorn the interior of the bar.
"We want the Roadhouse to be a comfortable place for people of all ages. It will be family-oriented during the day with music and fun at night," Mary explained.
The way it used to be, added Tim.
"For years, this was a hopping joint … a real place to be and to have fun. We want to bring it back to what it once was … and even better."