Where Creativity & Community Prosper

WHERE CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY PROSPER

BY HOLLY DODGE

Across the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, NaKato Bar and Grill, a Belgrade Ave staple, welcomes neighbors and visitors alike. Locals know NaKato is reliable and always has tasty food, cold craft brews, and an impressive bourbon and whiskey selection. You will also likely see NaKato co-owner Jake Downs working behind the bar or lugging inventory to its respective location.

Jake, a lifelong North Kato resident, didn’t necessarily choose the restaurant-owner life. In 2001, his parents, Jim and Jan, who worked in sales, wanted a change. They purchased Pagliai’s Pizza (pronounced ‘polly-eyes’ for non-locals) and pivoted to pizza, pasta, and poorboys.

The beloved pizzeria, established in 1969, became a fullfamily affair. Jake (recently graduated from Mankato West) and his brother Joel helped with all aspects of Pagliai’s operations: cooking, delivering, dishes, and serving.

In 2011, Jim and Jan decided to purchase Bobby Joe’s Pub. The location at 253 Belgrade Avenue has had many iterations through the years. From the mid-1940s to the 1980s, the location was widely known as the “NaKato Bar.” When the Downs family purchased the building, they knew they wanted to resurrect the historical name. They also chose to keep the long-loved commercial on the menu in the company of new menu items and built a large outdoor patio seating area.

After more than two decades of hands-on-service experience, Jake and Joel officially took over ownership of NaKato Bar and Grill in June of 2023, allowing their parents to lean into retirement and travel. "Right now, my parents are on a plane," Jake laughs.

But Jake’s influence on NaKato’s livelihood long proceeded his official ownership. Beyond being a dining and gathering destination, the establishment actively supports the arts, local charities, and community events.

A humble music aficionado, Jake places a lot of value in highlighting musicians and artists at NaKato. “We try always to keep it an interesting place to attend. Lower North deserves that.” Jake says. Years of artist relations and thoughtful curation ensure that every NaKato show is one you don’t want to miss.

Jake has lent his hand to North Mankato’s Business on Belgrade events since 2018, even helping with the main stage lineup for Blues on Belgrade. His artistic ambitions also garnered an author/musician series hosted at NaKato in 2023, where local authors read original work akin to their favorite local musicians. “There are so many talented writers that come to this town and live in this town. I wanted to highlight that.” Jake said of the series.

NaKato also uses its community support to help support area charities. One of Jake’s favorite events is their annual Christmas toy drive for CADA. The popular events host a few bands and encourage attendees to bring toys or donations for area youth. Jake shares, “It’s one of my favorite events; we donate a truckload of toys to area kids.” NaKato recently teamed up with area non-profit Feeding Our Communities Partners and purchased a custom barrel of specialty blended Woodford Reserve Bourbon, aptly titling the spirit “The CommUnity Blend.” Proceeds from bottle sales support the nonprofit’s mission to alleviate youth food insecurity.

When asked about his love for North Mankato, Jake, a father of a nearly 13-year-old, highlights the exceptional schools and genuine community-minded individuals. Jakes shares, “People step forward and care for each other in North Kato. I feel so fortunate to live in a place like this.”

NaKato has become more than just a bar and grill; it’s a place where memories are made, relationships are forged, and the community gathers. “I love to hear stories about first dates at NaKato, or ‘I met my husband at that show,’” Jake reflects. With NaKato’s deep community roots and investment, those stories will unlikely end anytime soon.