MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — A popular Mitchell sports bar celebrated the opening of a new long-play casino room and arcade with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week.
General Manager Connor Morgan gave Mitchell Now a tour of the space. He explained the staff is most excited about the large second kitchen that is adjoined to the casino. Morgan says the primary kitchen is remarkably efficient at serving the restaurant, but adding in a catering order creates some flow issues. Since Blarney’s was already committed to expanding with the additional kitchen, Rookie’s Casino provides a way to generate profit on top of what catering manages while serving up generous portions of roasted chicken, pulled pork, pot roast, and prime rib entrees, along with sides like coleslaw, green bean casserole, or potato salad.
Blarney’s is becoming more kid friendly at the same time. Morgan is expecting plenty of excitement over the arcade. Staff pulled out a wall to open up the area right next to the dining room. Claw machines and pinball await young gamers looking to burn off some energy without having the noise spill out into the rest of the mall.
Blarney’s continues to build on as it nears 25 years in business. From the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame-themed conference room to the gathering area with framed photos and jerseys showing the strong athletic history of Mitchell High School and Dakota Wesleyan University and expanded patio, there has been no shortage of change over the years.
In that way, Thursday’s ribbon cutting looks as much like a prelude of things to come as a sign of mission accomplished.