An Exclusive Inside Look at Cowboy Jack's Apple Valley - Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce

There is great interest in Cowboy Jack’s replacing the former Old Chicago in Apple Valley. When it was first announced on social media by Apple Valley Chamber in 2020, nearly 80,000 people viewed our Chamber’s social media announcement as the news caught fire. People are very interested!

The restaurant is owned by Brian Michael and his wife Melissa. We did not get a chance to meet Melissa but Brian said is the star. Brian and General Manager Tanner Wandmacher gave Chamber President Ed Kearney a tour. The entire facility (front of the house and back through the kitchen) was totally gutted with walls removed for openness, two huge bar areas, relocated restrooms and several rooms moved. The entire look will have a “cowboy” western feel including large Texas bullhorns and even a buffalo head on the back wall. They will not have a riding bull.

OUR HIGHLIGHTS OF COWBOY JACK’S APPLE VALLEY

Expected OPENING IN LATE MARCH
Will feature a fun golf simulator with real clubs in the middle of the former conference center. Many other top games in there as well.
Former conference room will be used at peak times for overflow for dining and other times for group gatherings and some entertainment
Also in that room, all kinds of seating as well as many large whiskey barrels (high tops) to stand around
A full new bar the length of the wall in both front room and back room
Wide open garage door windows: 3 in back, 2 in front plus 3 more behind the main bar opening up to the huge new outdoor patio
Elevated platforms for different levels of dining tables
Large warm fireplace in an elevated room with lounge furniture and a huge TV
Ample socially distanced seating everywhere
Unique $200K investment in a complete new “latest-technology air filtration system” that kills viruses and bacteria for the most germ free HVAC filtration available
Removed many parking spaces to add a huge L-shaped attractive stamped concrete patio on the Cedar side with overhead hanging lights and that also features a large gas firepit to sit around and a large pergola closer to the entrance
Amazing choices of taps and liquor and known for $2 happy hour beers
Ed also met with the very personable Ashley Norine who will be their Charitable Partner and Game Manager overseeing all gaming with 100% of the proceeds going to Eastview High School’s Hockey Program
Sunday morning “Bloody Mary Buffet” where you are given a skewer and can fill the skewer with whatever food you desire for one price
Even all restrooms were relocated to be as far away from the entrance views and far from any dining. All is completely new with hygiene in mind.
Known for their 1/2 pound certified angus beef burgers, 100% all-natural chicken breasts, hormone-free grass fed bison, all natural cheeses, and gluten-free options

They are currently hiring for all positions (up to 40 jobs) interviewing many job seekers while we were touring (job text: 612-559-0670). They are excited to work closely with neighboring businesses long-term. Owner Brian Michael is very civic minded as he is also President of Minneapolis Entertainment & Hospitality Association and loves helping all restaurants succeed. Brian has big plans to bring his hospitality ideas and community citizenship to Apple Valley dining, both indoors and outdoors. He told us that he feels being in Apple Valley will bring even more business to other restaurants here in what is a “clustering effect” in much the same way Raising Cane’s has brought new diners into our city.

As we mentioned several months ago, Brian will own the Apple Valley location. Only one other Cowboy Jack’s is owned as a franchise with all others being company owned. Brian and Tanner really are looking forward to being here and serving Apple Valley.