ABOUT US

ABOUT GREAT RIVER BOWL & PARTNERS PUB
Bowling, Dining & Family Entertainment in Sartell, Minnesota
📜 Our Story – A Family-Owned Bowling Center Since 1979
Great River Bowl & Partners Pub has been family-owned and operated since 1979, making us one of Central Minnesota’s longest-standing destinations for bowling, dining, and entertainment.
For over 45 years, we’ve focused on creating memorable experiences for every guest while giving back to the community that supports us. From league bowlers and families to corporate groups and community organizations, we’re proud to be a place where everyone feels welcome.
🎳 Bowling, Arcades & Entertainment for All Ages
Our facility features 32 modern bowling lanes with interactive scoring systems and automatic bumpers—perfect for bowlers of all skill levels.
Additional entertainment includes:
- Suite Lanes – 8 private bowling lanes ideal for parties and group events
- Xtreme Glow Bowling – High-energy bowling fun every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9:00 PM
- Expanded Arcade – A mix of classic favorites and modern arcade games
Whether you’re planning a family night out or a group celebration, there’s something for everyone at Great River Bowl.
🍔 Partners Pub – Restaurant & Bar in Sartell, MN
Partners Pub is the heart of our food and beverage and a favorite gathering place in the Sartell and greater Central Minnesota area.
Our full-service restaurant and bar serve handcrafted favorites made with care, including gourmet burgers, signature appetizers, and scratch-made comfort food.
Behind the bar, you’ll find 25 beers on tap, featuring a rotating mix of craft, domestic, and locally brewed favorites, along with weekly Happy Hour specials and our legendary Insane Bloody Mary.
🎱 Event Spaces: The Breakroom, Suite Lanes & 208 Lounge
We offer several unique spaces designed for fun, relaxation, and memorable events:
- The Breakroom – A place to unwind with pool tables, pinball, arcade games, and league play
- Suite Lanes – 8 private bowling lanes in an upscale, exclusive setting
- 208 Lounge – A private bar and event room named after our address: 208 2nd Street South
These spaces are ideal for birthday parties, corporate events, fundraisers, reunions, private celebrations, and so much more.
🏛️ The Meaning Behind “Partners”
There’s no apostrophe in Partners Pub—and that’s intentional. The name isn’t about the business partners, but about all the partners who gather here to enjoy food, drinks, and great company.
The walls of Partners Pub celebrate famous partnerships throughout history, featuring hand-drawn caricatures of iconic duos and groups such as Laurel & Hardy, The Three Stooges, Andy Griffith & Barney Fife, Cheers, Happy Days, M*A*S*H, and more.
All caricatures were created by local St. Cloud college students, keeping our space nostalgic, creative, and proudly local.
👉 Next time you visit, take a look around—how many famous partners can you identify?
🤝 Giving Back to the Central Minnesota Community
Community support is at the core of who we are. Each year, we contribute thousands of dollars to local schools, youth programs, nonprofits, and charitable organizations.
We proudly support and host events for organizations such as Special Olympics, Junior Achievement, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, and many others throughout Central Minnesota.
⏳ Our History & Growth
From a 16-lane bowling center in 1979 to a modern entertainment destination today, Great River Bowl & Partners Pub has continually evolved through thoughtful expansion, renovation, and reinvestment—always with our guests in mind.
Key milestones include:
- 1979 – Originally constructed as a 16-lane bowling center
- 1984 – Purchased by Lyle & Barb Mathiasen
- 2000 – Expanded to 24 lanes; bar and kitchen remodeled
- 2010 – Major expansion introducing Suite Lanes and the 208 Lounge
- 2018 – Complete redesign and renovation of Partners Pub
- 2024–2025 – Expanded arcade and modernization updates
For those who enjoy the details, our full timeline is below.
1979 – Originally constructed as a 16-lane bowling center
1984 – Purchased by Lyle & Barb Mathiasen
1997 – Great River Bowl introduces Central MN to Xtreme Glow Bowling
1999 – Automatic scoring added; bowling center remodeled
2000 – Expanded to 24 lanes; bar seating and kitchen remodeled
2003 – Wood lanes converted to synthetic material; bar service remodeled
2004 – The Breakroom constructed; 2,300 sq. ft. added to the restaurant
2006 – Kitchen reconfigured to add prep space
2007 – Courtyard outdoor patio constructed
2008 – Kitchen renovated; new scoring system installed
2009 – Kitchen re-equipped to support on-site baking
2010 – 11,000 sq. ft. expansion including Suite Lanes, 208 Lounge, expanded kitchen, restrooms, parking, and green space
2013 – Second banquet kitchen added
2015 – Lanes digitally scanned and rebalanced; parking lot repaved
2018 – Complete redesign and renovation of Partners Pub
2019 – BES-X interactive scoring system installed
2020 – Bathrooms and entryways refreshed; Hospitality Room added
2022 – Exterior building repairs and repainting completed
2023 – Parking lot expansion, LED lighting upgrades, new flooring, and refreshed furniture
2024 – Expanded arcade and adult arcade games added
2025 – Bowling counters retrofitted and outdoor LED signage upgraded and replaced
💡 Fun Facts You Might Not Know
- What started as a 9-foot kitchen counter is now two full kitchens totaling over 1,400 square feet
- One of our most popular food menu items includes a secret ingredient: pineapple juice
- Our made-to-order kettle chips were created by accident and quickly became a menu favorite
Sometimes the best ideas happen unexpectedly.
⭐ Our Mission
Our team works hard every day for you—our guest. From outstanding service and handcrafted food to clean facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, our goal is simple:
EVERY GUEST. EVERY VISIT.
Exceed expectations with unbeatable service, food, and fun.
Great River Bowl & Partners Pub – Where Community and Entertainment Come Together

Our Mission
Our team works very hard for you, our guest, and our service is an important point of emphasis. We think you’ll fall in love with our food, have a blast with family or friends on our lanes and hope to wow you with our cleanliness and friendliness!










