Brett and Ken Johnson. Photos: Chris Emeott
“Of course I know The Hilltop. I’m there at least once a week, sometimes twice, depending on the season,” Jim Nunn says. In fact, Nunn has been a regular patron of the restaurant since it was the Eden Avenue Grill, the restaurant’s previous name.
“We went to the Eden Avenue Grill after my son’s sports events. Now, my wife and I go to The Hilltop, and we never fail to run into people we know,” Nunn says.
The Hilltop restaurant is a mainstay of the Edina community. It’s a place that brings people together for more than just a dining experience.
Chicken Chop Salad
“We have people who come in and have real relationships and genuine friendships with our staff,” says Brett Johnson, owner of The Hilltop. His father, Ken, founded the Edina location in 1978 and believed in the area. Initially, when The Hilltop opened its doors in 1978, it was named The Pantry. After all these years, some things have stayed the same, while others have continued to evolve. A prime example is the now famous Newberry, a sandwich served open faced with turkey, cranberry sauce, jack cheese and bacon. There are also daily specials. A local fan favorite is its Wednesday offer.
Newberry Sandwich
“Growing up, Wednesdays were always pot roast night,” Brett says. To this day, the weekly specials remain the same and carry on the traditions put in place on day one.
In 1985, Ken hired chef Bruce Bjorkman directly out of culinary school into The Pantry family. In fact, Bjorkman is still with the company. “He has always been an anchor of the consistency of our menu and a core piece of our culture,” Brett says.
In 1998, The Pantry became the Eden Avenue Grill and added a liquor license. This restaurant served breakfast, lunch and dinner all under the guidance of Ken and Bjorkman. It was here, in 2008, that Brett decided to join his father in the business.
Baked French Onion Soup
“Going into the family business is tricky, but the coolest part about working with dad is he lets me do my thing, and he is really supportive,” Brett says. Ken is still plugged into the business and comes by The Hilltop every day. “My dad created this really cool thing, and it’s my job to keep it going,” Brett says.
In 2016, the decision was made to rebrand the Eden Avenue Grill to become The Hilltop. So, the Grill closed down for two months while the restaurant was not only rebranded, but renovated. Despite the new look and name, several things stayed the same. First off, the Newberry is still front and center on the menu, pot roast remains the special on Wednesday nights and the people-centric focus is still going strong, as experienced by Nunn.
“I go to The Hilltop for three reasons. The service is great, the food is great and it’s a community meeting spot,” Nunn says. “Meaning, you don’t even have to plan to go out with friends. You just know you are going to find someone you know at The Hilltop, and if you don’t, you will by the time you leave.”
Enjoy the last days of summer on the Hilltop’s newly remodeled patio.
“Our strength is how we make people feel when they walk through the front door,” Brett says. “The coolest part is that everyone is comfortable here no matter who you are. It couldn’t be truer than here at The Hilltop. I’m so proud of that culture we’ve created.”
The Hilltop
5151 Arcadia Ave.; 952.925.5628
Facebook: The Hilltop
Instagram: @thehilltopedina
