Photo by Amy Zents Exterior view of Fusion Bar & Grill, showcasing the restaurant’s fresh new look, complete with an outdoor patio for seasonal dining in downtown New Ulm.

NEW ULM — Fusion Bar & Grill, located at 1627 S. Broadway St., has established itself as a versatile dining destination in New Ulm since opening in late 2025. Owned by Juan Ocampo and Janete Alvarez, who also operate the established Mexican restaurant Plaza Garibaldi, the venue combines a broad menu of global influences with a refreshed sports bar atmosphere.

The restaurant officially joined the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Willkommen Committee in December 2025. The event recognized Fusion as a new chamber member and highlighted its role in expanding local dining options.

Ocampo described the concept as an extension of their hospitality experience. “Plaza Garibaldi will always be our home for Mexican food,” he said. “Fusion gives us a place to be creative and try things you wouldn’t normally expect to see all on one menu.”

Alvarez emphasized blending familiar elements with innovation. “We wanted people to recognize dishes they already love, but with a little twist,” she said. “Fusion is about comfort food, just done in a different way.”

The menu features an eclectic selection, including burgers, pasta, sushi, pizza, wings, bowls, tacos, and sandwiches. Heartier options encompass entrées such as Chicken Cordon Bleu, ribs, steaks, and various pasta dishes. Pizza is available in a build-your-own format with gluten-free crust upon request.

Soups remain a popular category, offered by the cup or bowl. Options include Creamy Squash Soup (vegetarian, featuring squash, carrots, and onions with garlic parmesan bread), Tuscana Soup (with Italian sausage, kale, carrots, potatoes, and onions alongside garlic parmesan bread), and pho (with chicken or beef, rice noodles, broth, and seasonal vegetables).

The menu incorporates playful, sports-themed section names such as “First Round,” “Sidelines,” “Little League,” and “Big League.” Standout burgers include the Popper Burger, All-Star Burger, and Supreme Burger.

A weekday lunch special, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., pairs a soup or salad with a chicken or ham sandwich for $11.

In early 2026, the interior underwent renovations to enhance the space as a modern sports bar and grill. Updates included removing walls for improved flow, adding high-top seating at the bar, installing a custom wood divider to separate the bar from the dining area, new booths, updated lighting, pull tabs and an ATM.

The renovation work featured craftsmanship by Harold Enamorado of Cala Woodwork, a New Ulm-based business specializing in custom furniture and cabinetry. Manager Lizbeth Fernando noted the quality of the updates. “He treated it like a showcase piece,” she said of Enamorado. “You can really see the care and attention to detail that went into the work.”

Fernando added that the changes have improved the overall experience. “It feels brighter, more open, and more welcoming,” she said. “The high-top seating at the bar has been especially popular.”

The restaurant employs approximately 20 to 25 staff members, including full-time and part-time roles. Many are college students, with some having transferred from Plaza Garibaldi.

Ocampo indicated that customer input will guide future developments. “We listen to our customers,” he said. “Their feedback helps shape what Fusion becomes.”

“We’re proud to be part of New Ulm,” Alvarez said. “This community has supported us, and we’re excited to keep building something people enjoy coming back to.”

Fusion Bar & Grill operates Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. For more details, visit thefusionbarandgrill.com, check their Facebook page, or call (507) 233-2555.