Tavern has a transformation

T.J. Finnegan's become Red Sky Lounge

By Jean Lundquist

MANKATO — T.J. Finnegan’s is no more. The signs are down, and the doors have been locked since April.

Inside the 100-year-old building at 520 S. Front St. in Mankato, a dramatic makeover has been underway throughout the summer. The doors will open Thursday as Red Sky Lounge.

Michelle Schooff, Dave Schooff and Ryan “Rudy” Stroup are the owners of the new place. Dave and Michelle are married. Michelle and Stroup are siblings.

“Funky” and “unique” are the words Red Sky Lounge owners use most often when describing their new establishment.

The interior looks nothing like the old T.J.’s. But that’s just the beginning of the changes. As a lounge, Red Sky has elements of both a bar and a restaurant. From the bar, also called the “Liquid Kitchen,” prices for a glass of wine will range from $5 to $14.

The most expensive entree on the menu, called “Social Food Made for Sharing,” is $13. Food will be served on a platter, with portions intended for two or more people. The plates are square or rectangular, and all the glasses, including the wine glasses, are stemless. Even the flatware has been chosen to add to the atmosphere.

The menu also features desserts designed to complement a cordial, according to Michelle. While the menu has been developed in conjunction with Kim’s Cuisine of Minnesota Lake, the desserts were chosen and developed by Michelle.

Dave Schooff describes a visit to Red Sky Lounge as “an experience.” In his current position with Fisher Group, and his former position with the Mankato Area Chamber of Commerce, Dave says he has done a lot of traveling and research into the establishment that Red Sky Lounge will be.

During a trip to Fort Collins, Colo., he says he watched an ice cream shop where families sat and enjoyed their time, while down the street, college-age people lined up outside a bar, waiting to get in. At that moment, he knew that co-existence between two different populations is possible in downtown Mankato.

That, plus his dedication to downtown, made the South Front Street location ideal.

Although Stroup and his sister both visited T.J.’s while they attended college here, he says the transformation from a college bar to the Red Sky Lounge is significant. Considering a college bar to be a place where people have to yell to be heard, Stroup says walking into Red Sky Lounge will “have some sort of a ‘wow factor,’ with people saying, ‘This is actually in Mankato?’”

Between the three of them, the owners say the Red Sky Lounge will be a funky, hip, modern, vintage, unique experience.

In addition to the cosmetic upgrade, Dave says the infrastructure has also been redone. Plumbing and wiring have all been replaced. “A big thing for me was to demolish the T.J.’s bathrooms,” Michelle says with a laugh.

The rear part of the establishment will be a meeting/event space. Although there will be some costs associated with using the space for up to 84 people, there will be no room-rental fee. Also, outside caterers may be used.

“If someone wants to have an Asian-themed party, and we don’t serve Asian food, no problem,” says Michelle of bringing in an outside food source.

“If people want to use our services and our kitchen, that’s great, too,” Dave adds.

Music with a DJ will be featured Thursday through Saturday. While there are no plans right now for live music, Dave says he never says never. With a built-in stage, other forms of entertainment are also possible, and preliminary talks are underway with a variety of performers.

The Schooffs and Stroup say their concept for the Red Sky Lounge will be appreciated by people wearing a suit and tie as well as those wearing jeans. Their commitment, as voiced by Stroup, is to great food, unique atmosphere and outstanding customer service.

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