Plymouth Restaurant Gets New Name, New Owner

A popular Plymouth restaurant has a fresh outlook on the future, complete with a new look, an updated menu and a new owner at the helm.

Rock Elm Tavern has officially become Rock Elm Revival. The neighborhood staple, which has been a community hub for the last decade, is entering a new chapter under the leadership of Plymouth resident Randy Ehlers.

Ehlers purchased the restaurant last fall and officially launched the rebranded concept on March 1.

“Rock Elm Revival was born on March 1st and we’ve had a great 60-plus days,” Ehlers said. “That was what we were trying to accomplish, and I think we did accomplish it.”

While Ehlers kept several of the neighborhood’s long-standing food favorites, he and his team wanted to make their own mark on the culinary lineup.

“We’ve added some great appetizers, we’ve created some different things that I think will get people back in the building more often,” Ehlers explained. “We’ve really elevated the menu to a point where people get excited to see the new things, but also are really enjoying what they’re trying.”

For example, the restaurant added an on-site smoker to serve up fresh brisket and pulled pork. “We smoke it overnight, we pull it out each morning and whatever we don’t use at the end of the night gets tossed,” Ehlers said. “We’re only serving fresh barbecue.”  

Other noteworthy items include Revival Shrimp, which is a new appetizer tossed in a flavorful dynamite sauce; and the Vat 17 Burger, which is a premium burger topped with white cheddar, arugula and candied bacon.

The Pitmaster Full Smoke plate comes with brisket, pulled pork, hot link, gouda hash browns, and cole slaw.

Introducing ‘The Revival Room’

The changes at Rock Elm Revival extend beyond the kitchen. Ehlers transformed the restaurant by removing the golf simulators that were in the adjacent space to create “The Revival Room” —a dedicated area for private events, live music and unique decor.

According to Ehlers, the new space is key to the restaurant’s long-term success.

“That side of the building [the main dining room] pays the bills, this side of the building is our gravy,” Ehlers said. “And this is where we have fun, this is where we can really make this restaurant sustainable.”

The Revival Room is a private dining area adjacent to Rock Elm Revival, which will host private events and live music.

A Community Gathering Place

For regulars like Patrick Woods, the restaurant remains the ultimate local hangout. Woods, who visits the restaurant every time he comes to town to see his daughter, says the atmosphere and quality keep him coming back.

“This is a gathering place, and it’s set up as a gathering place,” said Woods, who lives in Florida. “I look for good service and good food. That’s when I come back… Out of all the places that are nearby on this strip, we come here.”

Looking ahead, Rock Elm Revival plans to build a permanent stage in The Revival Room, with the goal of hosting live music throughout the summer months.

A selection of new food items at Rock Elm Revival. The restaurant is located at 16605 County Road 24 E, Plymouth, MN 55447

Plymouth

Business Matters