A great restaurant is never just about what's on the plate. It's about the people who take the risk to open the doors, the teams who turn an idea into a dining experience, and the community that keeps coming back. In Waconia, we’re incredibly lucky to have a thriving restaurant community, thanks in large part to passionate people behind the scenes who aren’t afraid to try something new and create places where friends and family want to gather.
For restaurateurs Jared DeWolf and Greg and Bria James, it’s about putting down roots in a community they love — getting to know their neighbors, supporting local families, creating jobs, and helping shape a downtown where people want to spend time. And at the heart of it all are the restaurants themselves: Bode Gray’s, Iron Tap, Green Fox Grille, and Bakery Off Main.
“As restaurant owners, it means more than serving food. It’s about giving people a reason to stay in Waconia for date nights, celebrations, or a quick morning treat instead of driving elsewhere,” says Jared, Co-Owner and General Manager of Bode Gray's and The Brass Hat. “We’ve seen the town grow quickly, and we want to contribute to places that feel welcoming.”
And while each of these restaurants has its own personality, they all share a common goal: giving people a reason to gather close to home. At Bode Gray’s and The Brass Hat, that means creating a true destination for elevated Italian dining and a unique nightlife experience.
“We’ve taken an old building and given it new life,” says Greg, co-owner at Bode Gray’s. “It’s a great place not only for the slow Tuesdays to grab a meal, but we also see many families and friends coming to celebrate something big in their lives.”
The upstairs offers refined yet approachable Italian food and pizza in a warm, stylish setting, while the basement speakeasy offers craft cocktails, live music, and that special “hidden gem” feeling.
Jared recommends the artisan pizza, specifically the Margherita or a Classico with the scratch-made crust. “The crust is consistently praised as outstanding, and it captures what we do best.”
Behind the menus at several of these restaurants is Chef Jon Boetel, whose influence stretches well beyond a single kitchen. He has helped develop and elevate the menu at Bode Gray’s, bringing “consistency, creativity, and a high standard” to the Italian fare and pizza guests rave about, says Jared. Jon brings that same experience to Iron Tap and Green Fox Grille, creating thoughtful menus tailored to each restaurant.
And the talent behind the food extends beyond the savory side of the menu. Pastry Chef ScotLynn Sievers, a Waconia native, culinary school graduate, and owner of Sievers Sweets, has elevated the bakery side of the operation at Bakery Off Main while also creating pastries and desserts for Green Fox Grille and Bode Gray’s.
Located inside Bode Gray’s, Bakery Off Main offers scratch-made pastries, breakfast items, and fast-casual lunch options.
“My motto is scratch-made, intentional, and local,” says ScotLynn. “It’s hard to narrow down a favorite, as it takes vigorous time, thorough planning, patience, and a whole lotta butter to make it work.”
But if you need a place to start, ScotLynn’s cinnamon rolls, seasonal cakes, or the viral cookie dough croissant are must-tries. With the fall season here, expect new flavors and treats. “Seasons are what keep a chef's palate new. In fall, the ingredients get that much deeper, the smells in the kitchen get stronger, and everyone eats a little more. I am excited to share all of our new seasonal menus coming out.”
Combining Bode’s and the Bakery under one roof gives locals a one-stop place that starts with coffee and cinnamon rolls and ends with pizza or cocktails. “Together they’ve become community living rooms,” says Jared. “Places where people mark milestones, run into friends, and feel connected to Waconia’s story.”
That sense of connection runs through all four restaurants, even as each has carved out its own identity. At Iron Tap, that means a craft-driven take on the food people crave, from smoked BBQ and creative burgers to tacos, hearty entrées, and plenty of shareable favorites, all alongside cocktails and 38 craft beers on tap.
“We’ve had so many memories in the 11 years of being open,” says Greg, who also owns Iron Tap.
The relaxed, inviting atmosphere at Iron Tap makes it the perfect place to grab a beer after work, hang with friends, and unwind on the weekend. “When someone walks through our doors, we always want them to feel welcome. We hope no one feels out of place, and that they also know they are going to leave happy!”
That includes the group of 30 who have joined Iron Tap’s annual beer club. “Every winter the group comes together to share a glass of beer and the love of craft beer culture,” says Greg.
The newest addition to the group has a different setting, and a different rhythm. Green Fox Grille (GFG) opened this past winter at Island View Golf Club, bringing Jon’s food and ScotLynn’s desserts to a space where golfers and the broader Waconia community can gather year-round.
The full-service restaurant is open to both club members and the public, with a menu that ranges from shareable bites like Steak Tips and Chipotle Chicken Nachos to sandwiches, burgers, and entrées like Pan Fried Walleye.
For club members, GFG offers a truly special experience. “We host Island View events unique to the club members, and it’s always a good time,” says Greg. And while the course will be closed for the winter season, GFG plans on hosting a number of fun events, including weekly trivia and Christmas events.
“The restaurant business is exciting and keeps you on your toes daily and weekly with its challenges and tasks,” says Greg. But for this group, there’s something especially rewarding about building these businesses together.
“Jared and I both share a love for the dining culture and complement each other with our different strengths,” says Greg.
Jared says that partnership is a big part of what has made their growth possible. “Greg and Bria bring deep experience running multiple successful Waconia businesses, strong operational know-how, and a clear vision for creating welcoming, community-focused spaces. The combination of proven multi-unit experience with fresh energy and local roots has let us take on bigger projects while staying true to what Waconia needs.”
And ultimately, it’s the community they’re building for that makes it all worthwhile. “Creating true community hubs and places where locals can have a special night out has been especially meaningful,” says Jared. “Seeing the regulars who return and the new faces who become regulars is the best part.”
It’s about giving people a reason to stay in Waconia for date nights, celebrations, or a quick morning treat instead of driving elsewhere.