Mike Newlin

Owner/Operator

My favorite thing about owning this establishment has been connecting with old friends, neighbors, and people that have coached my kids over the years while making new friends every day. It’s nice to be back home and part of the community again after spending the past 14 years managing racetracks all over the country. I must admit that it has been quite the experience so far, and a ton of work. When people ask me how things are going, I typically answer “Some days it’s the best decision I’ve ever made, and others it’s the worst decision I’ve ever made”. While I usually say it with a laugh, it’s truly an honest response.

Purchasing a 40-year-old restaurant gave us the benefit of an established and loyal customer base. There are downsides to owning a 40-year-old business as well. Replacing outdated equipment, the never-ending repair/maintenance expenses, in addition to the recent increases in food costs, labor, and utilities over the past year have added to the challenge of owning T.J. Hooligans. I remain committed to continuously improving and reinvesting back into this company. I’ve tried to maintain the traditions, menus, and the atmosphere here while taking gradual steps to implement my own ideas and personal touches. 

While I have met many of our guests in person over the past year and a half, I would still like to take this moment to thank ALL of you for your patronage and for welcoming me into the Hoolies family. I extend my thanks to the long-term employees that have stayed under the new ownership, in addition to the new team members that I’ve brought on board. We have a great group of people working here that care about our customers and want to provide them with the best possible service.

Very Sincerely,

Michael Newlin