Editor's Note 9-29-21: Austin announced on Wednesday, September 29 that opening day would be Tuesday, October 12 at 4:00 p.m.
Regular readers will remember a story done back in November of 2019 about Leroy Austin of Garretson, who took over ownership and management of Vinnie’s Dang Fine Dine in Luverne, Minnesota. Austin is working on a new venture, which he says should be ready and operating in a week or less. The Combine will soon open in the former O So Good location in downtown Garretson.
The Gazette caught up with Austin as he was working on renovations.
Austin said he plans to continue at Dang Fine Dine and bring some of those dishes across the border with him. Austin said that his plan starting out will be to be open weekdays from 4 p.m. to closing time and on the weekends serving breakfast from 7 a.m. until closing time. If you’ve ever eaten at Dang Fine Dine, you already know what’s on the menu, and you might be salivating.
“Like our signature burgers and our hand battered onion rings,” he said. “We’ll also add some appetizers to the menus, some fish and seafood dishes and have pizza to go or sell it by the slice at the bar.”
So why the name?
“Well for a couple of reasons,” Austin said. “First, this is an agriculture-based community. Also, for that reason we’re avoiding making any of the new paint or signage in green or red, as we don’t want to alienate people based on their favorite tractor brand. Instead we’re going for local sports colors, all Blue Dragon supporters here. Partially the Combine is in reference to the NFL Combine, as me and many of my friends are big fans.”
Austin said that he’s been dividing his time between his existing restaurant and working on renovations. O So Good was a unique place that was unique to its owner, and Austin said he likewise wanted to make the place his own.
“We want to be involved in the community from the get go,” he said. “We’re already planning on hosting cancer benefits and events for the Blue Dragon Academy expansion projects. We want to be involved in Blue Dragon Boosters and any and all community organizations.”
Austin said he plans to be a restaurant first and a bar second.
“The front portion of the building here will be a dining area, away from the bar area in the back,” he said. “We want families to bring the kids for dinner and enjoy themselves. We can also use some of that area for birthday parties and the like."
New paint has been applied building-wide, new flooring installed in the front, and Austin has also obtained new stoves, fryers and cooking implements.
Techs from Alliance Communications were working to set up the 15 television screens in and around the restaurant during the interview. Each of those televisions can be set to a different channel, and the techs from Alliance said it’s the most they’ve ever done on one junction box.
He also will have four electronic dart boards along the western wall and video lottery will be available.
“We’re already working on set-up for some dart leagues,” he said. “That’ll be central to one of the cancer benefits we’ve already set up.”
The Gazette also asked him to confirm a rumor that he’s looking to add a virtual driving range inside the restaurant.
“I have no problem confirming that,” he said. “It’s early days yet, and we’re pricing virtual golf units. I know golf is a popular sport around here, and you can’t play in the winter time unless you go somewhere warmer. I just thought it would be something unique and fun for the customers and community. Nothing is purchased or for sure yet, but we’ll see where it goes. Something like that would be really cool and draw people to town.”
Austin is earnest and he said he’s eager to get started. His renovations to the building have certainly been moving at breakneck speed, and if he attacks his new business with half that ferocity, he’s sure to do well. Austin promises that as soon as he has a fixed opening date, he will let the Gazette and the world know.
