The former Bluestem restaurant south of I-90 in Luverne will become The Bullpen later this summer, after the Hoiland family closed the Bluestem restaurant in 2020 amid the pandemic.
Bullpen owners Ryan Bullerman and Dave Halverson bought the property from Staples Enterprises, which also owns the BP gas station and convenience store across the interstate to the north.
“We’re excited about it,” said Bullerman, who said the establishment will have a sports bar theme and will specialize in burgers and steaks.
“We talked to a lot of people in town about what’s needed here. We want to keep it simple at first with just a place to grab a burger and catch a game on TV.”
Bullerman lives near Hardwick with his wife, Brandee (Scott) and their children. He is part owner of Key Largo on Lake Shetek and recently sold VanBully’s sports bar in Iona.
“It will be nice doing something in the community in the town where we live,” he said.
Halverson lives in Brandon where he’s managed Tailgator’s Sports Bar for nine years. He formerly operated Sharkee’s restaurant and sports bar in Luverne before it closed in 2014.
“It’ll be something fun,” Halverson said about Bullerman approaching him for the partnership.
“It’s good to be back in Luverne. I always liked it here.”
He will continue managing Tailgator’s in Brandon.
He and Bullerman said they are still working out business hours and days of operation but said they’re hoping to offer breakfasts and Sunday brunches.
“It will depend on what we can line up for help,” Bullerman said.
He said the building won’t need many modifications or renovations other than rebranding.
“A lot of the equipment is in there yet,” Bullerman said.
The Bullpen name is a nod to the first part of the Bullerman name and also to the Scott family interest in professional bucking bulls.
Skyler Hoiland and his family operated the Bluestem from 2012 to 2020.
Prior to that, the property housed the iconic Magnolia Steakhouse under the Dispanet family ownership from 1988 to 2009.