Fireside: Just be careful when you ask for the check

• Fireside

Watch hockey live at the rink or on one of several large television screens at the new Fireside Restaurant, which opened last weekend.

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When Trent Eigner opened The Pond, his miniature ice rink on County Road 42, he hoped to bring a restaurant into the location next to the ice arena.

For some time Rich Thompson, the owner of Fireside Pizza in Richfield, has wanted to open a restaurant south of the river.

Last winter their plans merged and Fireside Restaurant was created. After months of planning and construction the hockey themed restaurant opened June 11.

“It went great,” said assistant general manager Lauren Vail.

Aptly named, Fireside features a large brick fireplace in the middle of the chalet-styled restaurant. From large windows on the east wall customers can watch all the action on the mini rink at The Pond. For those not interested in watching people bounce off boards while they eat, a large, quiet dining room accommodates.

The décor of the restaurant matches the hockey theme. Hockey jerseys adorn the walls along with other memorabilia. Blue accents complement the wood features of the restaurant.

The restaurant boasts a 100 percent private dining room for parties. The room can be completely separated from the rest of the restaurant, including a separate restroom for intimate affairs such as groom’s dinners and business parties.

Vail said the room features separate audio from the rest of the restaurant and a 50-inch plasma television, which can be hooked up to any laptop computer for presentations.

“It’s perfect for events,” said Vail.

Fireside features a menu of American favorites including Buffalo wings, burgers and pizzas. The pizzas, Vail said, are the same as Fireside Pizza in Richfield, which has been open since 1960. On Saturday and Sunday the restaurant will feature breakfast. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery.

“It’s just good, affordable food,” said Vail.

In addition to the food the restaurant features a full bar. Vail said alcohol compliance is an important issue for the staff at the restaurant especially since they want to appeal to families.

She said all staff at the restaurant received alcohol compliance training and their staff isn’t afraid to cut someone off if necessary.

“Believe you me I will do it,” said Vail.

Vail said one feature of the restaurant is that customers can take food into the hockey rink. The booze, however, will have to stay in the restaurant.

After a successful first weekend Vail said they are excited to be in Rosemount and hope people will give them a try.

“It’s been a long process but we’re here and just hope people will come out and enjoy good food and the hockey atmosphere,” said Vail.

Fireside Restaurant is located in the Rosemount Market Square, 3410 150th St. For more information visit www.dinewithfireside.com.

Tags: business news, local news, business, rosemount