Minnesota Restaurant Offers Free Meals to Lawmakers Who Dine Across the Aisle

Sweeney's Saloon in Saint Paul hopes to smooth over political tensions with its 'Dine Across the Aisle' promotion.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:19am

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Sweeney's Saloon in Saint Paul, Minnesota is offering free meals to state lawmakers who dine with colleagues from the opposing political party. The restaurant's owner, Will Rolf, sent an email to every lawmaker at the Minnesota State Capitol to promote the 'Dine Across the Aisle' special, which is available until the end of the 2026 legislative session in May. So far, Republican Representative Bjorn Olson and Democrat Representative Brad Tabke have taken advantage of the offer.

Why it matters

The promotion is an attempt by the restaurant to encourage bipartisanship and cooperation among Minnesota lawmakers, who have faced increasing political divisions. By providing a free meal incentive, Sweeney's hopes to facilitate conversations and connections across the aisle.

The details

Sweeney's Saloon is offering free lunch and beer to any Minnesota state lawmakers who dine together with a colleague from the opposing political party. Owner Will Rolf said he wanted to do this because he felt there had been 'demonizing' between the two sides, and he believes cooperation is necessary to get things done. After advertising the deal, Republican Representative Bjorn Olson and Democrat Representative Brad Tabke took advantage of the offer and had a meal together at the restaurant.

  • The 'Dine Across the Aisle' promotion is available until the end of the 2026 legislative session on May 18.

The players

Sweeney's Saloon

A restaurant located in Saint Paul, Minnesota that is offering the 'Dine Across the Aisle' promotion to state lawmakers.

Will Rolf

The owner of Sweeney's Saloon who sent an email to every Minnesota state lawmaker to promote the free meal deal for bipartisan dining.

Bjorn Olson

A Republican state representative from Fairmont, Minnesota who took advantage of Sweeney's 'Dine Across the Aisle' promotion.

Brad Tabke

A Democrat state representative from Shakopee, Minnesota who dined with Republican Representative Bjorn Olson at Sweeney's Saloon.

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What they’re saying

“Not everybody has to agree on everything. It's okay to not agree and still be people who get together and still have fun.”

— Brad Tabke, State Representative

“I wanted to do this because I think there has been this sort of both sides kind of demonizing the other one. I just thought if they don't cooperate, nothing is going to get done.”

— Will Rolf, Owner, Sweeney's Saloon

What’s next

Rolf said he has heard from other Minnesota lawmakers who are interested in taking advantage of the 'Dine Across the Aisle' promotion before the legislative session ends on May 18.

The takeaway

Sweeney's Saloon's bipartisan dining promotion is a creative attempt to encourage cooperation and civil discourse among Minnesota's state legislators, who have faced growing political divisions. By providing a free meal incentive, the restaurant hopes to facilitate meaningful conversations and connections across the aisle.