Bonfire Grill Coupons

Linda Young and Charlie Burrows, founders of Axel's and Axel’s Bonfire restaurants, have a long history in the food and hospitality industry. Originally they met while employed at Champps Americana, and they crossed paths a second time while working at Byerly's. It was at that time that they both took note of the “for lease” sign outside of the former Parker House in Mendota, Minnesota. For Linda Young, the Parker House sparked fond memories of earlier years when she and her parents, Janette and Axel Lofgren, worked together at the iconic restaurant. For both Young and Burrows, it turned out to be a sign that it was now time to pursue their shared goal - opening a restaurant of their own. Young and Burrows brought decades of restaurant experience to their new venture, with experience at A&W, The Left Guard (ChiChi's), The Ediner, Two Peso's, Ciatti's, Champps, Ol' Mexico, Byerly's and The Parker House. On July 1st, 1996, after four months of work and assistance from family and friends, Axel’s River Grille opened its doors. The restaurant was named in honor of Young’s father Axel, who passed away in 1982, and who was a valued member of the Mendota community and a former member of the team at the Parker House. Axel’s River Grille was everything the two entrepreneurs had envisioned it to be. Positioning the restaurant as “casual fine dining,” they updated the interior but maintained the same warm, inviting atmosphere long credited to the Parker House. In addition to the approachable environment, their commitment to excellence included their guarantee to guests that they would receive the finest quality food, large portions and the best “detailed” service possible, on each and every visit. It was this standard of excellence across the entire operation that contributed to their inevitable success. Shortly after the Mendota opening, Young was dining with a friend at The Riviera Supper Club in Chanhassen. She made a mental note that The Riviera shared a similar energy as Axel’s. Clearly a successful enterprise, and a favorite among Chanhassen residents, it wasn’t long before Young and Burrows purchased the property from Tom and Lou Krueger. Again, the twosome enlisted their friends and family to remodel their new restaurant and in the fall of 1998 Axel's in Chanhassen was open for business. With a reputation for excellence in food and service, Young and Burrows went on to open three additional Axel's in Loretto, Roseville and Woodbury. Young and Burrows opened the first of seven Axel’s Bonfire restaurants in Eagan, Minnesota. The Bonfire concept offers a fresh take on the family-oriented restaurant with its warm and inviting atmosphere, and woodfire cooking served with a distinctive Southwestern flair. The seven Bonfire restaurants are located in Blaine, Eagan, Plymouth, Savage, St. Paul, Woodbury and at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. Nath Companies acquired Axel’s and Bonfire Restaurants on April 7, 2008. A newly formed entity, Bonfire Restaurant Company, was established to oversee operations of two of the Axel’s restaurants and six Bonfire restaurants in the Twin Cities. In addition, they will provide support to three additional Axel’s and one Bonfire restaurant operating under license agreements. The company is led by Ken Stanecki, President and Chief Financial Officer, along with Dave Walia, Vice President of Operations.