Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar—a memorable dining and entertainment destination—will open its doors in spring of next year, 25 feet from the Canterbury Park racetrack. Located in the heart of Shakopee, this dining concept will house two experiences under one roof—a 6,000-square-foot classic American restaurant and a 7,500-square-foot entertainment venue, informally called “The Stable,” offering live music, sports games, and more. Additionally, Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar will boast an 18,000-square-foot patio with trackside dining, drinking, and games.
The ownership team includes developer and investor Ken Sherman, commercial real estate specialist Matt Sherman, and hospitality veterans Joe Berg and Thomas Pivec. Berg is known for the Lumber Exchange Event Center in Minneapolis and former establishments The Pourhouse, The Exchange & Alibi Lounge, and The Library Bar on the University of Minnesota campus, while Pivec is the operating partner of Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge on Lake Minnetonka in Spring Park.
“Shakopee is the fastest-growing city in Minnesota, and we are thrilled to be a part of that growth,” says Joe Berg, owner of Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar. “It’s also home to Canterbury Park, so I have had my eye on the community for a while. I have always wanted to create a concept like Boardwalk—you can enjoy a casual dinner and drinks at the restaurant or party all night at The Stable. Offering that to guests while they watch the races will be a truly one-of-a-kind experience.”
Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar will serve classic American dishes from an open-concept scratch kitchen. Original craft cocktails will be mixed at a large central bar lined with six big-screen TVs. Guests can anticipate an approachable menu with highlights including steaks and smoked wings cooked over a large wood-fired grill. A private dining room will have an indoor/outdoor feel with glass doors opening to the patio. Outside, the central patio, located directly adjacent to the racetrack, will connect the restaurant and entertainment venue. Patrons will have a visceral experience on racing days with unparalleled views of the horses. It will offer communal seating, a second bar, fireplaces, lawn chairs, and lawn games. The Stable will feature a giant stage equipped with a top-of-the-line L-Acoustics sound system and a 330-square-foot LED video wall. It will also house a mezzanine for private events.
Built by Rowland Construction and designed by Doerr Architecture and Bisou Consulting, Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar draws inspiration from its adjacent racetrack; Shakopee’s iconic Gingko-lined streets; and a blend of timeless, modern, and inviting aesthetics. The thoughtfully designed space combines rustic charm with refined details. Warm wood accents have been used throughout the interior along with saddle-brown leather seating. A copper-topped central bar is a focal point for guests. Subtle touches such as custom wallpaper pay tribute to jockey uniforms, and teal and steel-blue accents introduce a contemporary pop of color. A Gingko tree at the entry greets guests, echoing the charm of downtown Shakopee. Expect a welcoming atmosphere for locals, families, race-day spectators, and visitors alike.
