Chill-aqui returns as Owatonna golf course provider

Owatonna’s public course will have a new year-round restaurant this season–one already familiar to the community.

Parks and Recreation Director T.W. Dieckmann said the city has been looking for a new vendor since December 2024, when Lacey’s of Brooktree left. Lacey’s replaced Tavern Nine, which had signed a three-year contract in 2022 but abruptly parted ways with the city in July 2023.

Chill-aqui's contract spans three years, with two one-year renewal options, Dieckmann said.

“Having a restaurant at Brooktree has the great opportunity of serving both golfers and the public, providing a space for the whole community to enjoy,” he said after the meeting.

According to Dieckmann, Chill-aqui reached out to the city to see if there were any spaces available that would suit their needs to open up the restaurant again. Shortly after, the space at Brooktree came up, and “they were excited to look further into the space, ultimately leading to becoming the new vendor.”

The tentative opening date will fall in mid-April. Chill-aqui at Brooktree is adding a full coffee and tea menu, along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. In the meantime, they’re working on creating an eating space that is “modern and inviting.”

“I know they had a very devoted following at their old location,” councilmember Doug Voss said during Tuesday’s meeting. “My wife was one of them, and she’s very excited to hear they’re coming back.”

Officials also approved liquor sales and tobacco licenses, contingent on receiving a certificate of insurance.

In a press release, Chill-aqui’s owner, Brandon De La Rosa, said the family-owned business is “excited to be back serving familiar faces as well as new people from the community.”