Joe and Tara Matthews have been putting smiles on customers’ faces at TJ’s Sports Bar and Grill since 2009. The popular spot at the corner of M-140 and Territorial Road, South of Watervliet will soon have a ‘sibling’ bar and restaurant.
As we reported last week in MoodyOnTYheMarket.com, the Matthews are planning to open ‘TJ’s Baroda Tap’ in May or June, depending on the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and minor cosmetic and kitchen improvements at their new location at Lemon Creek Road and 1at Street in the village. We sat down with Joe Matthews and business partner Greg Borr to learn more about their plans for TJ’s Baroda Tap.
Joe Matthews bubbles over with enthusiasm as he considers the potential of his new second location. “We were looking at that spot for over a year when Rose and Crown stepped up and got it,” he told us. So, when the ill-fated British Pub concept quickly faltered after a couple of months, Matthews was back in pursuit of ‘The Tap’.
He enlisted support from his lifelong friend Greg Borr, who was looking for an investment after his recent retirement as an executive in the HVAC equipment field in Kansas City. Joe and Greg go back to their days in Watervliet High School and point at a three-generation friendship between their families. They say that kind of trust goes a long way in forging a business partnership.
Matthews says he won’t have to spend a lot of time developing a menu for TJ’s Baroda Tap—he already has one that customers love at TJ’s Sports Bar and Grill. While the places might have a few subtle differences, Joe says a winning formula will be duplicated.
From burgers to hand-dipped wings and chicken fingers, yellow perch and bluegill, reuben sandwiches to a French Dip and a Ribeye Philly Cheese Steak, Loaded Nachos and a Wet Burrito, Joe knows exactly what will be on the menu because the customers have told him what they like over 15 years in Watervliet.
One of the most popular features at TJs on M-140 is the In-House Smoker. Several hundred pounds of smoked items are sold each week. So, there will be a ‘Smoked’ section on the menu in Baroda, highlighted by TJ’s brisket.
Matthews and Borr don’t expect they’ll have to make many changes in the kitchen but have ordered a Triple Decker Pizza Oven. The bar has 12 Draft Handles, with Joe speculating he may add a couple to specifically accommodate local brews. And of course, in the middle of Baroda, there will be wine, highlighted by local brands.
TJ’s Baroda Tap won’t officially be a sports bar, however there’ll be at least eight screens on which to keep track of your favorite teams. Matthews says, “We just want a friendly casual, family atmosphere. That’s what people tell us they want, so we give it to them!”
Matthews and Borr say they would love it to be open in Baroda by mid-May. However, before they can get to work on the cosmetic changes and a few other tasks, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission must approve their license transfer. The MLCC is famous for taking action when it’s good and ready, on its own timetable. The new owners hope to catch a break, but acknowledge it could be June before they open, depending on the license.
Whenever opening day comes, Matthews pledges that “customers will have great food, served in ample portions by well-trained and courteous employees.” He expects to hire 20-25 employees between full and part-time, with some Watervliet workers stepping up to new and bigger responsibilities in Baroda.
