If you’ve ever driven down Highway 3 through the Eagan and Rosemount areas, you’ve probably noticed the restaurant tucked a bit back on the west side of the road. Though the building has had a few names over the years with an evolving menu, it has become and continues to be a place for the community to come together, break bread, and enjoy a few cocktails.
Today, that place is called Greg & Lisa’s Hidden Treasure. The restaurant officially opened under its new name on April 1, 2024, in the former Cooper’s space. After a long journey filled with challenges, the new owners, Greg and Lisa Petersen, have found a deep sense of gratitude in the support of their community and the opportunity to keep a local tradition alive.
A Legacy of Community Handed Down for a New Start
It wasn’t just about opening a restaurant for Greg and Lisa—it was about continuing a legacy. The former owner, Randy Cooper, who owned and operated the restaurant under the name Cooper’s, battled cancer and often talked to the Petersens, who had worked there for about 19 years, about taking over Cooper’s someday. Later, Randy recovered from his illness but was still looking to sell. “Randy had been developing a three-year plan to sell the restaurant, and we always had our eye on it,” Lisa shared. But just as they were planning their next steps, the world threw a series of curveballs their way.
First came the COVID-19 pandemic, then illnesses in Greg’s family, and finally, a health crisis of their own. In the summer of 2023, Greg suffered a stroke. The recovery was long and difficult, but through it all, the idea of taking over the restaurant never wavered. By November of that year, Randy was ready to sell, and the Petersens officially opened Greg & Lisa’s Hidden Treasure.
An Ongoing Road to Recovery Supported by Locals and Those Far Away
Greg’s stroke has been a turning point in his life in many ways. “I was closing down the bar one night and started feeling odd—my arm went numb,” he recalled. By the time he made it home and awoke the next morning, it was clear something was very wrong.
Greg was hospitalized for nearly a week, and though the doctors couldn’t pinpoint the cause of the clot, it was a life-changing event. “Recovery took months. Six months where Greg couldn’t do much of anything,” Lisa said. “It was scary and chaotic. I was used to working side by side with him, and suddenly, I had to hold down the fort at the restaurant all on my own. I honestly wouldn’t have been able to do it without the bartenders, servers, and cooks stepping up in any and all areas.”
During Greg’s recovery, the community rallied in ways that left them both speechless. “People came in from other states just to show support,” Lisa shared. “There was a benefit for Greg after his stroke, and I remember having to step into the backroom a couple of times to pull myself together. The generosity was overwhelming.”
This outpouring of love and kindness solidified their belief in the restaurant’s future. “We realized that we wouldn’t just be the future owners—we would be part of something bigger. The community was behind us, and that meant everything.”
An Elevated Menu With Something for Everyone
Since opening in April, Greg & Lisa’s Hidden Treasure has become a go-to spot for both long-time fans of Cooper’s and new customers alike. Though they’ve kept some of the menu staples from Cooper’s, Greg and Lisa have added their own flair. Lisa’s favorite dish is the Smokehouse Power Bowl, loaded with brisket and served with sweet chili sauce on the side. “It’s a customer favorite,” she says, and with good reason.
Greg, on the other hand, is partial to the Chicken Cordon Bleu paired with waffle fries. “We wanted to elevate the menu while staying true to the community,” Lisa explained. “You can still get a great chicken sandwich or flatbread, but we’re also working on adding gluten-friendly dishes for our next menu update.”
More than a Restaurant
The Hidden Treasure is more than just a place to grab a bite to eat. It’s a space for community gathering—whether it’s a church group fundraiser, a school booster event, or Lucky Fundraiser Bingo. “We want to be here for the community, not just Eagan, but the surrounding areas too,” Lisa said.
Lisa and Greg also shared the deeper meaning of their logo, including the letters “IYKYK” (If You Know, You Know). “I used to come into Cooper’s before we worked there, and I’d be sitting between a millionaire on one side and a blue-collar worker on the other,” he said. “That’s the vibe we want to keep—a place that feels like home no matter who you are.”
Grateful for the Journey
Opening Greg & Lisa’s Hidden Treasure hasn’t been easy. From working through Greg’s health scare to the overwhelming community support, the Petersens have much to be thankful for. “Taking over a business is scary. You’re vulnerable,” Lisa admitted. “But when you have a community like this one, it makes everything feel possible.”
As the restaurant moves forward, Greg and Lisa are eager to continue growing and giving back. “We’ve been through a lot to get here, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Lisa said with a smile. “This place is our hidden treasure, and we’re just thankful to share it with everyone.”
“People came in from other states just to show support... The generosity was overwhelming.”