TPI Hospitality brings back Torge’s Bar & Grill in Fairmont

TPI Hospitality will reopen the restaurant inside Best Western Fairmont as Torge’s Bar & Grill on Oct. 20 after ending its Green Mill franchise agreement. The move restores a long-used local name and adds a refreshed space and new menu for Fairmont diners and hotel guests.

Why it matters: - TPI Hospitality is restoring a familiar Fairmont dining brand with deep local roots. - The change gives the Best Western Fairmont restaurant a fresh identity tied more closely to Martin County and southern Minnesota. - The reopening is designed to serve both longtime residents and hotel guests with a new menu and updated experience.

What happened: - TPI Hospitality will transition Green Mill Restaurant & Bar inside Best Western Fairmont back to Torge’s Bar & Grill this fall. - The change follows the end of TPI Hospitality’s 20-year franchise agreement with Green Mill in 2026. - Green Mill Restaurant & Bar’s last day of operations is Oct. 4. - Torge’s Bar & Grill will officially open Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. - The restaurant will reopen after a two-week renovation period.

The details: - The Fairmont property first opened in 1978. - Before the Green Mill era, the food and beverage operation used the Torge’s name for nearly three decades. - The original Torge’s became a community gathering place for celebrations, events, and everyday meals. - TPI Hospitality said the return of the name reflects the brand’s local history and community connection. - Jason Subbert said the goal is to honor that legacy while creating a fresh, modern restaurant experience that feels distinctly Fairmont. - Torge’s will operate as an independently managed concept. - The restaurant team will have more flexibility to shape menu offerings, flavors, and guest experiences. - The new concept will be inspired by Martin County and southern Minnesota. - Torge’s will serve a refreshed design and an entirely new menu concept.

Between the lines: - Bringing back the Torge’s name gives TPI Hospitality a way to localize the restaurant instead of leaning on a national franchise identity. - The move also signals a bet that nostalgia and community familiarity can help drive traffic during a brand reset. - The renovation and menu changes suggest TPI Hospitality wants the restaurant to feel new without losing the recognition tied to the old name.

What's next: - TPI Hospitality will complete the renovation before the Oct. 20 reopening. - The company will introduce the new menu when Torge’s opens. - Fairmont residents and Best Western Fairmont guests will be able to judge the new concept when service begins at 4 p.m. on opening day.

The bottom line: - TPI Hospitality is replacing Green Mill with a revived local brand that blends nostalgia, flexibility, and a reset for Fairmont dining.