Local businessman Josh Myhre is the proud owner of Spring Grove’s newest establishment, the Lions Pub, named after his high school alma mater’s mascot. The sports bar, located on Highway 44 in downtown Spring Grove, exemplifies his strong commitment to the community. Located across from the Viking Park, the pub serves as a hub of local engagement.
With excitement in his voice, Myhre explained that he went to Las Vegas with a couple of buddies last summer and they repeatedly asked, “You’re going to buy the bar? You’re going to buy the bar?” Myhre stressed that he never said anything about buying the bar, but finally, he relented and joined the conversation. They then started talking about the bar’s future. When he returned home to Spring Grove, he put in an offer to buy the bar.
He purchased the former Spring Grove Municipal Liquor Store on July 10. Using his vast experience as a carpenter, it only took him six weeks to remodel the historic building. The Pub opened on August 18 followed by a grand opening on September 1. The pub has been “roaring” with activities ever since.
“I didn’t know it was going to look like this, either. I had a lot of input from a lot of good friends and their wives,” laughed Myhre.
The Lions Pub offers an up-to-date and relaxing atmosphere. The brick walls and ceiling are original to the building. The garage door in the front of the building opens to a cozy outdoor seating area where customers can sit around the bar and watch the town’s bustling activity. The bar was a friend’s suggestion that has proven to be very popular during the warm weather seasons.
When you enter the pub, you will immediately notice the popular wooden floor. Myhre’s plan was to tile the entire floor in black and white laminate squares, which can be seen behind the bar, but he was stopped by a female friend who suggested that only the area behind the bar be tiled in the black and white squares. The area should be covered in beautiful easy-to-clean wood flooring.
The pub’s logo, a stylized but recognizable lion reminiscent of an English pub, was created by a local graphic artist who just happened to be a female.
Noteworthy amenities include a regulation-size slate pool table, a jukebox, the Big Buck Hunter video game, and darts. For those feeling lucky, pull tabs and e-tabs are available, both of which contribute to Spring Grove’s charitable gambling efforts.
What would a sports bar be without games playing on the big screens? Currently, patrons gather to watch the Viking football games, and the Spring Grove varsity girls and boys basketball games are live-streamed.
Scroll the pub’s Facebook page and read about all the fun activities and specials that have been held in the last five months. For example, a dart tournament, open pool, open jukebox, a chili cook-off with free food, and ladies’ night every Wednesday. During one of the coldest days in January, customers were rewarded with $2 beers if they wore their snow boots in. In celebration of Thanksgiving, Myhre hosted Dranksgiving Day. Patrons celebrated New Year’s Eve by smashing a piñata! On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the pub was open so the pub’s customers could watch the Viking games. Customers are encouraged to dress in their Viking gear when they come in to watch the Viking games.
Customers rave about the award-winning Chad’s Pizza served in the pub and the complimentary popcorn.
Cold refreshments include a selection of Cutwater canned drinks, including Vodka Mule, Lime Margarita, White Russian, and Peppermint White Russian, plus a diverse selection of beer on tap and by the can. Check out the wide selection of liquors. A bottle of 12-year Scotch from Macallan arrived in time for the start of the New Year. Myhre proudly confirmed that he serves the coldest beer in the area.
Myhre’s community-minded spirit is evident in the bi-weekly meat raffles. All the proceeds from the meat raffles go to the Spring Grove Community Club Charitable Gambling. Funds have financially supported the town’s nonprofit organizations, the pickleball courts, and the festive Christmas lights illuminating the town during the holiday.
In collaboration with Elsie’s Bar and Grill in Caledonia, Myhre orchestrated a successful food drive for the Houston County Food Shelf last month. The Lions Pub emerged victorious, collecting an impressive 6,769 pounds, while Elsie’s collected 3,234 pounds, resulting in a whopping total of 10,003 pounds. Both establishments are lauded for their dedication to supporting their communities. Plans are already in the works for the 2024 “food war.”
To stay abreast of upcoming events and special, follow the Lions Pub on Facebook. For inquiries, Myhre can be reached at (507) 498-3838 or by email at lionspubsg@gmail.com. The pub welcomes everyone to experience its welcoming atmosphere and community-focused initiatives.
