Iconic Duluth Restaurant Grandma's Celebrates 50 Years

The restaurant helped shape tourism in Duluth while serving as a second family for those who work there.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Grandma's Saloon and Grill, a historic restaurant founded in 1976 in Duluth's Canal Park, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The restaurant was started by Andy Borg and Mick Paulucci as a 'cocktail-napkin plan' and has played a major role in shaping Duluth's tourism industry over the decades. The restaurant is known for its unique ambiance, antiques, and nostalgic charm that have made it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

Why it matters

Grandma's has been an iconic part of Duluth's culture and economy for the past 50 years. As one of the city's longest-running restaurants, it has helped establish Duluth as a tourist destination while also serving as a second home and community for its many long-term employees.

The details

Grandma's was founded in 1976 by Andy Borg and Mick Paulucci, with Borg as the visionary behind the restaurant's unique concept and design. The restaurant started out slow but grew to become a premier destination for dancing and live music in its heyday. Over the decades, Grandma's has had to overcome challenges facing the local hospitality industry, but it has remained a staple in Canal Park. Today, the Grandma's Restaurant Company encompasses numerous operations including the original Grandma's Saloon & Grill as well as other restaurants and attractions.

  • Grandma's opened on February 8, 1976.
  • Grandma's expanded and opened a second floor in June 1976.
  • Grandma's hosted its first marathon in June 1977.
  • Grandma's Canal Park opened Grandma's Big Top in June 1979.
  • Grandma's is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Andy Borg

The visionary behind Grandma's unique concept and design, who put in the 'blood, sweat and tears' to make the restaurant a success.

Mick Paulucci

The co-founder of Grandma's who served as the financier and business partner, encouraging and pushing Borg to make the restaurant a reality.

Jeno Paulucci

The frozen food mogul who originally hired Borg and helped put Duluth on the map as a manufacturer.

Brian Daugherty

The current President of the Grandma's Restaurant Company.

Mark Mahla

The Marketing Director for Grandma's Restaurant Company.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wish we could say it was a fantastic business plan that did all its market research, and we knew that nostalgia would connect — but it wasn't that. It was a couple of guys with a hunch.”

— Brian Daugherty, President, Grandma's Restaurant Company (bemidjipioneer.com)

“Andy is really the blood, sweat and tears behind Grandma's. Mick was a financier, a great business partner, encourager and taskmaster.”

— Brian Daugherty, President, Grandma's Restaurant Company (bemidjipioneer.com)

“Exceeding expectations — one meal at a time. Whether it's Tuesday lunch or (Grandma's) Marathon Saturday. You gotta hit it every time.”

— Brian Daugherty, President, Grandma's Restaurant Company (bemidjipioneer.com)

“It was a beautiful October day, even surrounded by a lot of the people that I work with. I'd have to say that was my best memory.”

— Lesa Melby, 45-year Grandma's employee (bemidjipioneer.com)

“That day, I felt so much love in this room. I knew that I would never be leaving here.”

— Mary Larson, 38-year Grandma's employee (bemidjipioneer.com)

What’s next

Grandma's plans to continue its legacy as a Duluth institution, with the restaurant and its parent company exploring new ways to evolve and adapt to changing times while staying true to its roots and community-focused values.

The takeaway

Grandma's Saloon and Grill has weathered the ups and downs of the hospitality industry for 50 years, becoming an iconic part of Duluth's culture and tourism landscape. The restaurant's longevity and continued success is a testament to its ability to exceed customer expectations, foster a tight-knit community of employees, and adapt to changing times while staying true to its original vision and values.