More than two years after opening Greg & Lisa's Hidden Treasure, Greg and Lisa Petersen continue to treat the restaurant as a place that never stands still. New recipes, fresh ingredients, seasonal cocktails, and thoughtful updates throughout the building all reflect a simple philosophy. If there is a way to make the guest experience better, they are willing to try it.
One of the most popular changes over the last year has been an expanded selection of gluten-friendly choices. Guests can now order burgers with gluten-free buns, enjoy Gluten Friendly Chicken Chunks, or substitute a gluten-free crust for any flatbread. Those additions grew from conversations with customers who wanted more choices without giving up the flavors the restaurant is known for.
The menu has also welcomed fresh Mexican fare, something Greg says has quickly become a favorite.
"We've added fresh Mexican fare. The sauces and veggies are prepped fresh every day. We're taking a lot of pride in that."
Originally introduced as a limited side menu, the response has been so enthusiastic that many of those dishes are becoming permanent additions.
Creativity From the Kitchen
The Petersens believe great ideas can come from anywhere.
"We like involving our cooks in the menu choices," Greg says. "We have received a lot of great feedback on the new items they have suggested, especially the Mexican items."
That collaborative approach has produced an exciting lineup of new offerings. The Tropic Chaos burger combines pineapple pico with sweet chili sauce for a balance of sweet and savory. A fish taco is joining the menu, while ingredients such as hot honey and mango habanero sauces are finding their way into new recipes. The restaurant has also been investing in higher-quality ingredients across the menu, giving longtime favorites fresh life alongside the newest creations.
Behind the bar, the menu changes with the seasons. Summer cocktails make way for fall selections, while one customer favorite never leaves.
"The Deuce is the most popular. And I love it because it is named after one of our dogs," Lisa says. Made with Bulleit Bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters, it is the restaurant's take on a classic Old Fashioned and has become a signature pour. "We also have the Electric Willie and the Hanky Panky Peach Tea," which are named after our other two dogs.
Growing With the Community
With new apartments and townhomes opening nearby, Greg and Lisa are welcoming plenty of first-time visitors while seeing familiar faces return again and again.
"People still think of us as Cooper's, but more and more are starting to see us as Greg & Lisa's," Lisa says. "It's nice to see new faces that come back and are already becoming repeat customers."
Guests may also notice the building itself has changed. A refreshed cream-colored exterior gives the restaurant a new look. And of course, there are many improvements happening behind the scenes as well.
"We love creating a fantastic eating experience from the food to the tables to the place," Lisa says. "We believe in a clean environment, too, and our customers notice it."
The Petersens also remain active supporters of the Eagan community through youth sports, Eagan High School football boosters, fundraising events, and charitable gatherings. Their private event space, complete with patio access, is available for birthday celebrations, networking events, and nonprofit benefits, all with the goal of bringing people together.
Looking Ahead
"We have learned a lot on every level," Greg says with a smile. "When we got started, we were really focused on learning how to be the best possible restaurant owners that we could be. At this point, we think we have it down. We make it work as best as we can and, most importantly, we're having a lot of fun. And we still love each other."
That spirit carries over into welcoming new staff members alongside familiar faces, and into planning their annual Halloween celebration, complete with decorations, costumes, prizes, and a costume contest that has become a favorite tradition.
For Greg and Lisa, every new recipe, every returning guest, and every fresh idea is another chapter in the story they continue to write together. Visit Greg & Lisa's Hidden Treasure online at https://www.gregandlisas.com.
“We like involving our cooks in the menu choices because some of our best new dishes have come from them.”