MEET YOU DOWN AT THE CREEK

Husband and wife Mark and Kelly Lang purchased The Creek Bar and Grill in March 2018.

C K REE MEET YOU DOWN AT THE

Rose Creek cafe is a continuation of family tradition

Story and photoS by Michael Stoll

Mark Lang is no stranger to the bar and restaurant scene.

Growing up in Austin, the food service industry was what his family did.

“I grew up in a family business,” he said. “My mom and dad had bars and restaurants for the past 40 to 50 years, so I grew up in bars and restaurants. To this day, we still own Bobee Jo’s in Austin. We’re big into family businesses.”

A police officer with the Blooming Prairie Police Department, Mark runs a construction company and owns AB Taxi Service and Bubbles and Bows with his wife, Kelly Lang.

“We’ve got our hands in quite a few businesses, but the bar and restaurant industry is something that we just enjoy having,” Mark said. “It’s been a good part of my life.”

Kelly, however, did not grow up with a background in bars or restaurants.

“I’m from just south of St. Cloud and my parents had nothing to do with bars and restaurants.,” she said. “It’s kind of a shock with all the ins and outs that happen behind the scenes as far as keeping a bar and a restaurant going.”

In March 2018, Mark and Kelly added another business to their repertoire: The Creek Bar and Grill in Rose Creek.

“I remember it as a kid when it was called Woody’s years ago,” Mark said. “Then it went to The Creek.”

Mark said his decision to purchase The Creek was based on his desire to have a bar and restaurant that he could call his.

“I was at that point in my life where I wanted to have my own,” he recalled. “I have Bobee Jo’s now, but that was handed down from the family. This was my first; I was ready to buy my own place and venture out on my own.” “I’ve never really been a server or a bartender,” he added. “I’ve always been a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. “ Those familiar with The Creek prior to the Langs taking over will see that the menu is similar to what it had before they purchased it. But, everything has had its own Lang family spin put on it thanks to

‘I was at Mark’s mother, Patti Lang. “My mom was in the restaurant the point industry with my dad for years and top-quality food is high priority,” he in my life said. “Ninety-five percent of our stuff is homemade; we don’t buy much of anything that’s pre-made.” where I The Creek features daily specials that can be found posted on The Creek’s wanted to Facebook page or on boards inside and outside the restaurant. For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, The Creek offers have my daily fresh homemade desserts like cookies and pies. own’ “There are some days it’s more restaurant than bar,” Mark said. “We have a full service menu and we have everything from bar food to full dinner plates. Before COVID, we still had a salad bar. Not many places have a fresh salad bar anymore, but we still do on the weekends when we’re able to. Quality food is our number one thing; if you’re going to serve a product, it has to be the best product. My mom puts a lot of heart and soul into making sure our food is top notch.” Mark said the Rose Creek community has embraced the business, giving it that true small town feel.

The Creek Bar and Grill in Rose Creek.

“The community is a great community and that’s one of the reasons I picked Rose Creek,” he said. “I’ve been a small town police officer for over 20 years, so I like the small town feel. The people in the community are more or less an extended family; you get to know their kids, you get to know their families. I like the small town and as for Rose Creek, we’ve been very well received. They’ve welcomed us with open arms. The community supports us and we try to support the community. We try to stay active with helping in events like the (Rose Creek) Fire Department functions. We try to be involved because we’re part of their little family. It’s gone very well.”

But it’s not just Rose Creek that has embraced The Creek.

“I would say we have a fairly decent little following in the area,” Mark said. “People come here to have their special meal. We have families from up in the Blooming Prairie area that make the drive because they want their pork tenderloin sandwich or their chicken. People do travel to come to us.”

“People like small town restaurants and small town bars because they get that family service,” he added.

The Creek opens at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closing time varies depending on how busy they are, though Mark said they generally close at 1 a.m.

The Creek is located at 202 West Thill Dr. off of Highway 52 across from Rose Creek Wayside Park. They can be reached at 507-437-0206.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU

If you’ve never been to The Creek and aren’t sure what to have, Mark recommends a few of his favorites.

BURGER BASKET

There are several burger options at The Creek: The Creek Burger (pictured), Rebel Yell, Three Alarm Burger, and 57 Burger on 56. Each is made from 1/3 pound of fresh beef (never frozen) and grilled up after being seasoned with Patti’s own seasoning blend, which elevates it from your standard burger to a flavorful experience that will make you ask where it has been all of your life. You could try to duplicate it if you feel confident enough because it is that good, but Patti wouldn’t say what was in it; even Mark and Kelly don’t know.

FRIED CHICKEN

A quintessential comfort food, The Creek’s fried chicken is juicy and crispy. They don’t skimp on portions; one order comes with four pieces (breast, thigh, wing and leg) and a side to satisfy even the hardiest of appetites.

PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich – Honestly, what’s more Minnesotan than a big piece of breaded pork tenderloin between two buns? Okay, fine, hot dish, but this battered and fried Midwest staple is high on that list. Hand-battered in The Creek’s housemade batter and fried to golden brown perfection, this juicy sandwich is sure to satisfy your pork cravings.

HADDOCK PLATTER

Fried fish and small rural Minnesota towns go hand-in-hand, so it’s only natural that The Creek offers a way for residents of Rose Creek and the surrounding area to get their fried fish fix. Coated in The Creek’s awesome house-made batter and fried up nice, the flakiness of the fish contrasts well with the crunch of the batter. For an extra depth of flavor, dip it in the tartar sauce, also made in house. You’ll thank me later.