TJ's Village Tavern to Open in Downtown Eau Claire

Popular bar and grill concept expanding to new Wisconsin location.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:22pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished wooden bar top with premium bar glassware, beer taps, and gourmet bar snacks, conceptually representing the refined atmosphere of the new TJ's Village Tavern.The refined, upscale bar and dining experience that will greet patrons at the new TJ's Village Tavern in downtown Eau Claire.Eau Claire Today

TJ's Hospitality Group, the owners of the successful TJ's Bar & Grill in Watervliet and Baroda, Michigan, have announced the acquisition of the Hometown Bar & Grille in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They plan to close the Hometown location for a few weeks of renovations and improvements before reopening it as TJ's Village Tavern.

Why it matters

The expansion of the TJ's brand to Eau Claire represents a significant growth opportunity for the hospitality group. The new location will bring the popular TJ's sports bar and grill concept, known for its sandwiches, entrees, and family-friendly atmosphere, to a new Wisconsin market.

The details

The owners, Joe and Tara Matthews and Greg Borr, plan to focus the renovations on updating the kitchen equipment and expanding the bar area with more draft taps. While the menu will be slightly smaller than the other TJ's locations due to space constraints, it will still feature many of the brand's signature dishes, along with a new 'Skillet of the Week' concept.

  • TJ's Hospitality Group will close on the acquisition of the Hometown Bar & Grille this month.
  • The Hometown location will be shut down for a few weeks to undergo renovations and improvements.
  • The refreshed location will reopen as TJ's Village Tavern in the coming weeks.

The players

TJ's Hospitality Group

The company that owns the successful TJ's Bar & Grill locations in Watervliet and Baroda, Michigan.

Joe and Tara Matthews

The co-owners of TJ's Hospitality Group.

Greg Borr

The co-owner of TJ's Hospitality Group and a newer resident of Eau Claire.

Hometown Bar & Grille

The existing restaurant in downtown Eau Claire that TJ's Hospitality Group has acquired.

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What they’re saying

“This acquisition represents a significant step in our continued growth across Michigan.”

— TJ's Hospitality Group

“As a newer resident of Eau Claire I am very excited to bring TJ's to the Village.”

— Greg Borr, Co-owner, TJ's Hospitality Group

“Eau Claire brings back memories of the old Red Arrow Conference, and we look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.”

— Joe Matthews, Co-owner, TJ's Hospitality Group

What’s next

The renovations and improvements to the former Hometown Bar & Grille location are expected to take a few weeks, after which TJ's Village Tavern will open its doors to the Eau Claire community.

The takeaway

The expansion of the popular TJ's Bar & Grill brand to Eau Claire, Wisconsin represents an exciting opportunity for the hospitality group to bring its family-friendly sports bar atmosphere and signature menu items to a new market. The refreshed location is poised to become a local favorite in the downtown Eau Claire area.