Looking for a night on the town, a place to meet up with friends and catch the game, or just want to give your kitchen a break? Fort Dodge, Iowa, is lucky enough to have Mineral City Mill and Grill, Olde Boston’s Restaurant and Pub, and The Sports Page Bar and Grill to choose from. Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is pleased to tally this dynamic restaurant group — owned by Lucas Battcher, Michael Payne, and Jim Bird — as new board members this year.
“We joined the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance to form a partnership knowing full well that the growth our city and community sees reflects back to our success and growth as well,” said Lucas Battcher.
Each restaurant has its own style, bringing interest and variety to the Fort Dodge dining scene.
- Olde Boston’s is a premier dining and nightlife spot in a sleek industrial setting. Olde Boston’s is perfect for Sunday brunch with the family or drinks out with friends.
- Mineral City is a family restaurant that combines modern and rustic to create a comfortable feel all its own. Mineral City is known for its pasta dishes and cocktail menu, and its steaks and seafood are delicious choices as well. You can feed a crowd at home with their “Family-Style To Go Menu.”
- The Sports Page has wall-to-wall TVs, an arcade, and classic red leather booths. Watch the big game while enjoying delicious wings, pizza, or their signature “Triple Crown Macs.”
The thriving multi-restaurant business originated in 1981 when Jim Bird and Tom Payne opened the doors of Marvin Gardens in Historic Downtown Fort Dodge. (Marvin Gardens was remodeled and rebranded as Olde Boston’s in 2009.) In 1993, Jim and Tom expanded with The Sports Page and welcomed Joe Cain as a business partner. Two years later, in 1995, they opened another The Sports Page location in Spencer.
Lucas Battcher joined the enterprise when Mineral City Mill opened in 2000 along the Corridor of Commerce. He and Tom’s son, Michael Payne (who has worked with his father since childhood), stepped into more significant leadership roles within the company as the years progressed. In 2016, Michael and Lucas purchased The Sports Page in Spencer from Joe Cain and Jim Bird, and when Joe retired in 2020, Michael and Lucas partnered with Jim, becoming co-owners of all the restaurants.
Throughout the evolution of the restaurant group, community involvement and support have been a continuing priority. In addition to donating to various organizations and fundraisers, they facilitated the building of a Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex field, provided funding to the Cancer Center at UnityPoint, and sponsored the baseball field lighting at Dodger Stadium.
“Fort Dodge has and always will be home to us,” said Lucas. “Our local community has seen a lot of growth lately, and it has been thanks to our local leadership and local businesses that all think we have a really good thing going on here. Our community is very supportive of local business, and we greatly appreciate that.”
A Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance membership provides many benefits, both tangible and cumulative. Find out more here or contact us today!
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