Families, friends, and neighbors can find Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes driving south on Highway 3 on the west side of the highway. Since last fall, the business has been making some noticeable changes — both on the outside and on the inside.
Owner Adam Flaherty’s family has been in the bowling business for five generations. The Flaherty business started in Arden Hills and built a name for themselves, being recognized as one of the best bowling alleys and bars with arcade games in Minnesota by WCCO. When Adam Flaherty heard the bowling alley was for sale in Northfield, he saw the space as an opportunity for expansion.
Flaherty drove down to Northfield to check the space out. The previous owner not only showed Flaherty the bowling alley, but also the community. Looking back now, Flaherty says the tour of Northfield sealed the deal.
“They took the time to point out where the city was growing and highlighted some of the areas,” Flaherty said. “After the tour, that is actually what sold it – the tour of the town.”
Flaherty bought the business September 1, 2021. Changes soon followed, including bowling alley renovations and arcade game upgrades. One element that did not change, however, was the staff. While some employees were added, Flaherty promised to keep the original Jesse James Lanes employees.
Current manager Adam Tulkki appreciates the consistency and admires the improvements. When asked what his favorite part of his job is, he used one word — everything.
“I love the bowling side. I love the bar side, the game side, doing business with kids, and coaching,” Tulkki said. “I love everything about the business.”
Flaherty shares Tulkki’s love. A father of eight, Flaherty focuses on family fun. Over the past year, he has seen Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes benefit local families.
“We've been in the business since 1938, and the sole purpose is family entertainment,” Flaherty said. “That’s what we’re built around.”
Flaherty hopes recent improvements enhance families’ experiences. One of those improvements is Flaherty’s Pub and Grill.
The restaurant will feature a family-friendly menu, a full bar and an outdoor patio, complete with seating, sand volleyball and turf for bags/cornhole. Like Flaherty, Tulkki hopes the community stops out and enjoys the fun.
“I hope everybody comes out and enjoys the volleyball, and the bags, and the patio and the new menu,” Tulkki said.
Flaherty’s Pub and Grill opened Friday, August 12.
