If you find yourself shopping around Southlake Mall, driving down Route 30, or wanting to grab a bite to eat before heading onto I-65, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse just might be your new spot. Located right on the border of Merrillville and Hobart, BJ’s Brewhouse offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery to those looking to grab a bite with an innovative spin.
Since the chain restaurant recently opened in Northwest Indiana, it’s been catching the appetites of residents Region-wide, including Hobart’s very own Mayor Brian Snedecor.
“When they opened, as you could imagine, I was pretty excited to see another restaurant along our Route 30 corridor,” Snedecor said.
According to Snedecor, construction for BJ’s Brewhouse began during the height of the pandemic in 2020 after a previous restaurant closed at the same location. Work was halted for about six months before resuming, which left the city guessing about the establishment.
“I was getting a little bit nervous about it,” Snedecor said.
Once BJ’s Brewhouse opened its doors in April 2021, Snedecor was looking forward to a new dining experience in the area as well as a new crowd to enjoy the shopping scene nearby.
“We hope customers go into our retail establishments while they are in our city,” Snedecor said.
With the mall just across the way and well-known storefront like Sam’s Club within its radius, BJ’s Brewhouse offers a great main dish to the side of shopping.
“It’s added another dimension that fits the niche,” Snedecor said.
As a frequent diner at the restaurant, Snedecor really enjoys the ambience. With plenty of seating options and television monitors playing an array of sports, he believes that everyone can enjoy a meal at the brewhouse.
“I like the atmosphere. You can be outside, and on the inside, there are dining areas for large groups and an elevated bar,” Snedecor said. “It’s an experience some other restaurants don’t have the opportunity to offer.”
Snedecor describes the menu as unique with a selection that can’t be found anywhere else around Northwest Indiana.
“Their menu is diverse. If someone wants to get a salad, burger, or some type of pasta, they have enough to meet each person’s request,” Snedecor said.
He is a fan of the oven-baked pizza and famous Pizookie dessert, and he is looking to try their bison burger next.
Snedecor also highlighted the brewhouse’s service. In the fast-paced environment, the servers make sure diners get their food quickly.
“They have monitors, so servers can put your orders in right from your table. They’ll take your order and boom, it’s in. You’re not waiting long periods of time to get your food,” he said.
The mayor is glad to see the city thriving with the addition of BJ’s Brewhouse in Northwest Indiana.
“There are cars everywhere,” Snedecor said. “The economy is good, and that’s good for our Route 30 corridor.”
To learn more about BJ’s Brewhouse, their menu, hours of operation and more, visit https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/locations/in/merrillville.
