Distractions Food and Drink Takes Over JR's

Business partners Julie Pittman and Jeff Murray of Rogers were looking for that small town feel as they looked for a business or restaurant to buy and came upon earlier this year. "I wanted that hometown, local restaurant feel and I got that here," Murray said.

Murray, who's been working in the restaurant industry since he was about 12, had spent a few years in the corporate world and wanted something more small town. "So many families in this area end up driving to Maple Grove for a nice, quality, homemade meal and I want to provide that right here in town," he said.

"We really wanted to be in a place where everybody knows everybody," Pittman said.

So the two began the process of taking over JR's and as John and Carmen began their retirement, Pittman and Murray began their run as the new owners of Distractions.

"We want people to come in and be distracted from their day to day life and enjoy the experience here," Murray said as he explained how they came up with the name Distractions.

They plan on having a surprise element, conversation pieces, interesting decor and table offerings as just some of the examples of distractions.

"We want to stimulate conversation within families," Pittman said, explaining she didn't want to see families in tuned into the TV.

They offer nothing but praise for the restaurant that John and Carmen left behind including the exceptional staff. "The staff is so enthusiastic and excited and that helps a lot," Pittman said.

They will be closing for a few days at the end of the month to remodel and plan on unveiling a new and improved look the first week of August as well as their brand new menu. "We've been getting great feedback on some of the new menu," Pittman said.

Murray has been creating recipes and giving customers samples as they go. He is also utilizing other local businesses like and

"I want to support local businesses and I want others to support local," he said.