Still Going Strong: Jersey’s Bar and Grill

On a Monday afternoon in mid-June, Jersey's Bar and Grill hosted a networking luncheon that included 30 members from the Twin Cities business community. On Tuesday and Wednesday evening players from the local softball teams the bar and restaurant sponsors were in attendance. Thursday night, a DJ played music. On Friday night, families feasted on dinner from a menu that includes everything from appetizers to entrees. Saturday night, the crowd enjoyed another night of live music. Sunday, it was bingo.

It's safe to say there is a lot going on at Jersey's Bar and Grill, located on Concord Boulevard in Inver Grove Heights. And that's what stands out about the bar and the owners, Bill and Shelley Ashton, according to River Heights Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Gale. Jersey's was the 2007 River Heights Chamber Small Business of The Year.

"Bill and Shelley are an asset to Inver Grove Heights," said Gale. "They've provided leadership with the Concord Business Task Force, promoted IGH through the convention and visitors bureau and sponsored many programs from school fundraisers to benefits to help local residents."

The city of Inver Grove Heights is no stranger to failed restaurants. Baja Sol, A&W, Majors, El Tequila—those are just a few restaurants who have opened and shut doors or changed hands in recent years.

Despite a down economy, and a lengthy three-year construction project along Concord that cut off virtually all major entry points to the business, Jersey's has bucked that trend. The business will celebrate its 10th anniversary in September.

"We're always trying something new," said Ashton, who grew up in Inver Grove Heights. "It's a business where you have to try different things. Some work, some don't, but the ones that do make it worth it and make it fun. We've really revamped our menu, moving towards more homestyle cooking. We've added a wide variety of Juicy Lucy’s, but at the same time, we still keep the entertainment going with the live music."

Ashton is a serial entrepreneur who is also involved in other home-based and network marketing businesses. He always dreamed of owning his own business— even thinking about it when he started working at the in Inver Grove Heights at the age of 14.

When Ashton was 18, he became kitchen manager at the Bierstube in Oakdale. Eventually, he moved up to assistant manager and general manager before purchasing Jersey's, formerly known as Duke's, when he was 25. Right away, Ashton knew the purchase was a good move.

"Coming back to Inver Grove Heights, it was great to see a lot of old friends I hadn't seen in a while,” said Ashton. “I'd see my friend’s parents, teachers, people that I grew up with, on a regular basis."

Owning a bar and restaurant is more than just a chance to say hi to old friends, Ashton said. It’s taken a lot of hard work, dedication and long hours to keep things moving forward. The entire restaurant has been remodeled in the last 10 years and also now features a patio for outdoor dining.

“A lot of people who have never been here would be pleasantly surprised,” said Ashton. “They may have come here when it was Duke’s or when we just opened or have a perception of what it’s like here. You can bring your family here for lunch or dinner. You can hang out with your friends, listen to live entertainment. We try to  mix it up so there is something for everyone.”

Editor's Note: Each month, Inver Grove Heights Patch asks the owners of a well-established, local business what makes them successful. We publish their answers in "Secrets to Success."