Good Times restaurant opens in Cresco

CRESCO - Good Times Grill opened May 28, in Cresco!

Jon Wedl, the owner, expressed his appreciation for the support of the community throughout his journey and recovery from the fire that devastated the new restaurant in 2022. 

After nearly two years of help from local businesses like Gosch's Plumbing, Heating, & Duct Cleaning, Bob’s Electric, Em Dub Construction, Silver Creek Hardwood Floors and Slabs and Y-Not Tile, Good Times has finally been able to open. “If anything looks good in this building, you can credit those guys” reported Wedl with a laugh.

Jon Wedl is the son of the previous owners of Good Times in Caledonia, Minnesota. His parents first bought the restaurant when he was eleven years old, and he fell in love instantly. He helped out at an early age, bartended at fifteen years old, and then later became manager. After several years of working in the food service industry, Wedl knew he wanted to go out on his own. 

He opened Good Times Grill in Decorah, and ran the restaurant for several years. When the owners of the building decided they wanted to sell, another location had to be found. Someone soon reached out to Wedl regarding the building in Cresco, where Good Times Grill is currently located. The move was made, and everything seemed to fall into place. Then, in August of 2022, a fire that started in the basement, filled the entire building with smoke. The Cresco Fire Department evacuated the entire block in case the fire spread to more buildings. No one was hurt, but Wedl had to crawl his way to safety, as he was working in his office when the fire broke out. 

“We just had to start over” said Wedl, when asked about if he ever thought about giving up. It was “not even a question” if he was going to rebuild.

The facility itself is two stories, with the top floor now being designated for evening meals and  events. Large windows showcase natural light, and give a quiet and private atmosphere. The upstairs also has a full bar, with a large staircase and elevator. On the main floor, lunch services are provided.

Since owning a business in Cresco, Wedl has been pleasantly suprised by all the support from the community. “It’s really only something you see in a small town” he stated, while discussing the fundraiser that was set up after the fire. He was also amazed that “everybody offered to help” and “was willing to do anything” they could to provide support. 

Good Times Grill currently has 25 employees, who have been training the last couple of weeks before opening. “Erica Dahl, she’s been integral” to the “organization” of staff and “putting together the last bit” the business needed to start operating, says Wedl.