Raising a Pint to Possibility
Guinness Irish Stew, Bangers and Mash, Meatloaf Murphy, Mussels Malone, and Kilkenny Cod. You would likely see these dishes offered at restaurants in the Emerald Isle, but delicious Irish food is closer to the Midwest than you may think. These Ireland-inspired dishes are just a few of the many items available at Blarney Stone, an authentic Irish pub with locations across North and South Dakota.
The Bismarck Beginning
The pub plans began when three business partners, Matt Geiger, Jim Poolman, and Russell Wanner, fell in love with an old building they found in a vibrant area of downtown Bismarck.
“We knew we wanted to put something downtown in terms of a bar or restaurant,” said Jim Poolman, one of the business partners. Why an Irish pub? Poolman explained, “Matt had been to Ireland a few times, and I travel a lot for work and have seen a lot of concepts.”
By bringing together their experience and different ideas, they formed a vision to create an authentic Irish restaurant environment with quality service and unique goods while helping to spur up action in downtown Bismarck.
To bring their vision to life, these business partners turned to Dakota Business Lending and Dakota Community Bank. With support through the SBA 504 loan program, they were able to purchase and renovate the building and install equipment and fixtures.
“Dakota Business Lending was instrumental in working with our local banks to put together a financing package that allowed us to build the project to our satisfaction and to fulfill our vision.”
– Jim Poolman
Irish in Every Inch
The existing building, previously a Chinese restaurant, was completely renovated. Blarney Stone was constructed with two levels and a beautiful mezzanine area for dining. The dark, rich wood on the bar, booths, tables, and furniture, along with classic chandeliers and other fixtures, give it a sophisticated touch. The décor and ambiance capture the essence of a true Irish pub.
Blarney Stone opened in 2009 and quickly found success, though not in the way the partners expected. With 30+ beers on tap and a full bar, they assumed drinks would drive the business. “Oddly enough, we’re known for our food,” said Poolman. “It’s become a place to enjoy a great meal, then stay for a drink and the atmosphere.” Even so, alcohol remains a key part of their business.
Pints Across the Prairie
Riding the momentum, the team opened a second location in West Fargo in 2014, with financing again supported through the SBA 504 program in partnership with First International Bank & Trust.
Like Bismarck, the West Fargo location featured two floors, a mezzanine, and their popular Irish-American menu, but with an even greater assortment of draft beers and drinks. The pub quickly found the same success as the original, thanks in large part to Russ Wanner, the general manager of both locations and the partner with the most restaurant experience, whose leadership has played a key role in the business’s continued growth.
South Dakota and a Bit o’ Blarney
Their next leap came in 2018, as Blarney Stone expanded into downtown Sioux Falls. Once again, they partnered with Dakota Business Lending to access the SBA 504 loan program, securing a prime location and transforming it with their signature charm.
“Dakota Business Lending was an integral partner in our opening in Sioux Falls. They had taken the time to know us, to know how we operated, and anticipated our financing needs. They were seamless in working with our lender and came up with ideas for us to potentially save money or find the right financing package for us. Navigating those processes can be hard, but DBL made it so much easier.”
– Jim Poolman
The result? A third thriving pub, serving up Irish flavor and creating local impact in another growing downtown.
The Heart of the Pub
The owners have felt strong support from all three communities and have been committed to giving back.
We are very appreciative about how supportive the community has been toward our business, and we will continue to try to support the community as well.” – Jim Poolman
In addition to creating jobs, the team prioritizes customer satisfaction and continually evolves to meet guest expectations. Blarney Stone offers weekday specials, all-week happy hours, and a VIP program with food and beer discounts to keep loyal customers coming back.
A Whale of a Time
From Bismarck to West Fargo to Sioux Falls, Blarney Stone’s legacy continues to grow. The partners have earned community support, national recognition, and multiple awards, including Best Restaurant by the Bismarck Tribune and the Bismarck-Mandan Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Through vision, dedication, and strong financing partnerships, they’ve turned a bold idea into a beloved brand. And through every twist and turn, they’ve stayed grounded in what matters: great service, a warm atmosphere, and trusted relationships.
Today, Blarney Stone continues to thrive under the leadership of its current partners, Chad Wachter and Dustin Hollevoet of Bismarck, who are carrying the vision forward with the same passion and commitment that sparked it all.
“There are always surprises when opening a new business. It’s okay. You learn from the twists and turns. Nothing costs what you think it will, but having a good relationship with your lender, like we do with Dakota Business Lending, has proven beneficial for us to work through those surprises.”
Visit their website to learn more about Blarney Stone.
This article was written by Dakota Business Lending with permission from Blarney Stone Pub and is not to be edited or redistributed without permission.
