A Discussion with owner, Bill Kozlak, Jr.
Jax Cafe was established in 1933 and has been a mainstay of fine dining in Minneapolis for over 90 years. The Jax Cafe story is a rarity today – one family maintaining a business for generations. We talked to owner Bill Kozlak, Jr. about the challenges of maintaining an independent restaurant for decades, what’s delicious on the menu and reasons for you to become a regular. Make a reservation here and visit the glorious establishment at 1928 University Avenue NE.
Q: Jax Cafe has been a Minneapolis staple since 1933 – how do you preserve its legacy while staying relevant today?
A: It takes a lot of work and commitment to your mission and values. We have third and fourth generation customers who have different tastes, but many of the same memories and introduction to Jax. We listen to our guests and try our best to please them.
Q: What’s one piece of advice from a previous generation that you still follow today?
A: This formula works for us at Jax – Work hard, treat your staff and customers like family and stay true to what you do.
Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges of maintaining a historic, independent restaurant in today’s dining climate?
A: There are too many to list… The cost of doing business is sky high, the buying power for an independent is not favorable for sure. We concentrate on making every visit an “experience” and want to help our guests make memories, not just coming in for food and beverage.
Q: What dish best represents the spirit of Jax Cafe?
A: There are a few, but I think prime rib with crispy hash browns or au gratin potatoes with a nice cabernet and an ice cream drink for dessert.
Q: Do you have a personal favorite item on the menu?
A: I love all of the beef and steak items, but my sleeper is our amazing Pork Chop. It is seasoned with Jax seasoning and a special molasses dry rub which really helps sear the pork.
Q: How do you keep the dining experience special for both longtime regulars and first-time visitors?
A: We treat everyone like they are family and we want them to become regulars. Often it starts with their high school prom dinner. We create a special menu for the kids to help them navigate the choices and have a set price to make the night special. We do see families celebrate special events here, generation after generation.
Q: Where do you see Jax Cafe in the next 5–10 years? How may we follow your news?
A: Well, in nine years Jax will turn 100 and I will be 65 so it is lining up to be a great celebration!!! Our website or social media, Facebook, X and Instagram are great ways to follow our news.
I love the old school style of this restaurant and the backyard trout pond. So adorable. The food is decent and it feels like a holiday when we go and Lois the piano player is playing through dinner or brunch! It all reminds me of the special times I had as a kid when we went there for special occasions!. If you like Mancini’s in St Paul, you’ll probably like this too.
This is indeed a legacy restaurant! One very important overlooked element in this interview is that Jax Cafe is the only restaurant around that has live dinner music. Lois Sweeney has been playing the piano and delighting dinner guests for nearly 3 decades! She’s a gem!