Our History

Brooten was established by the Minneapolis and Pacific Railroad in 1886. The name Brooten was derived from the name of a local land owner Reier Lia "braaten". It was and is an energetic, thriving small town that has had its ups and downs through the years. However, enthusiastic and vigorous promotion has kept it from deteriorating. With a hard surfaced airport, a golf course, 100,000 acres of irrigated agricultural crops, more than 500 jobs, new industry, and new main street businesses; it is no wonder there are new homes being built, and new industries and businesses being developed.

The building that houses John O's Dining and Lounge was built after Brooten's most disastrous fire on Christmas Day 1948. (This was the second fire that destroyed the building--the first was in Dec. 1912)The fire was started in the Avalon theater by the highly flammable toxic film being used. The fire killed projectionist Lawrence Hesse and burned several adjoining buildings. This building and the adjoining buildings were rebuilt immediately. The new building was used as the Brooten Theater from then until the advent of television slowed attendance. It was then opened sporadically until 1983, and had been unused since then for a period of 23 years.

The John O's Fine Dining Restaurant was developed by Ingrid Fauskee and John O. Bohmer as a promotion to save this wonderful unused fireproof building from demolition, and to furnish Brooten and the surrounding areas with a truly remarkable and unique eating establishment.

We thank you for your business and look forward to serving you for parties, banquets, anniversaries or any other special event.

Pictured above is the current interior of the dining room at John O's Dining and Lounge.

Pictured above are the ruins of the building that currently houses John O's after the 1912 fire.