Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
Sports Bars Boom in Minneapolis as Diners Trade Chef-Driven Meals for Entertainment
By J.D. Duggan
March 24, 2026
Across Minneapolis, more restaurants are making the same move: leaning into sports.
New concepts like Asher’s Bar & Grill, Fathead Bill’s Sports Pub & Grill, and The General Sports Bar are all opening with a similar focus—pairing dining with live sports and built-in entertainment.
The shift comes as going out continues to change. Higher ticket prices, more fragmented streaming, and tighter budgets are pushing fans to look for better ways to watch.
That’s where sports bars are winning.
Tom’s Watch Bar, which opened in downtown Minneapolis in 2022, has been built around that idea from the start—creating a space centered on energy, community, and the game itself.
“Customers today are seeking a great experience at a great value,” said Jason Cooney, Regional Operating Partner. “That intersection is where sports bars like Tom’s Watch Bar have a unique advantage.”
As more operators move in this direction, the model is becoming clear:
People aren’t just going out to eat.
They’re going out for something to be part of.
