Our story

AJ’s Bar n Grill begins with a passing comment “hey, if you ever want to sell this bar please let me get first crack at it” by previous owners Joe Knuer and Annette Jenson. Five days later Ms. Annette told me that they were ready to sell. With me having a few friends that were successful in the gas marketing industry, they would always tell me, if I ever had a good business idea that they would invest with me. I hurriedly gathered AJ’s past financials and created a sound business plan which I presented to my good friend Dan Totsky. 6 months later, we were the proud owners and reborn AJ’s Bar and Grill.

After our business was nearly decimated by Covid we realized the need to further expand our food offerings.  I experimented with several sauces and came up with the right ones for our pizza menu that we currently have.  Danny, who is always a fan of my homemade meals encouraged me to start a Tuesday Dinner Special, which has been a hit with the kids.  The menu expansion was just the beginning of the improvements we have made since taking over. 

We put in 2 sexy and always clean new bathrooms, a new dining area, a multipurpose room, & a Pavilion.  Our kitchen was very small and needed vast improvements so we decided to take the plunge and put in a brand new kitchen facility because, well, that’s why God made loans. We upgraded the outside facade with stone work and stucco and purchased an adjoining lot at the rear end of our building.  We also decided to name the pavilion after the old metal viaduct that once covered our building from view.  

With the popularity of our Tuesday Dinner Specials word of mouth has now greatly enhanced our catering business.  Each day my partner and employees look for ways to improve the AJ’s empire. Our staff members are very dedicated and have also taken ownership and responsibility to provide the best possible experience for our loyal AJ’s customers. 

There are so many entertainment options for anyone who patronizes AJ’s from various leagues such as Billiard, Darts, Golf, and Horse and Pepper leagues, to DJ’s, Live music, and comedians.  If anyone enters AJ’s and claims they are bored, it is literally impossible. Our long term goals are to continue to expand all of our food and entertainment opportunities.  We greatly appreciate our staff, our loyal customers, and those who just happen to stop by and we pray that they continue to enjoy the AJ’s experience.

AJ’s Bar n Grill is a staple in the Carbondale community and we strive to give our customers the best service. We have quality food and live performances every week.

Come join us and you can always look forward to having a great time!