Mulligan’s and Wriggley’s Offer Fellowship, Food, and Fun
photos by Patrick St. Cin
Standing next to the Red Poppy Community Garden Railroad outside Mulligan’s, Nels Johnson is amazed by how much the project has grown from its conception — a model train and miniature replica of the Square. When the Radio Control Modelers Club of Sun City asked if they could build the railroad at his restaurant, he was immediately on board with the idea of an exhibit that would provide guests with a scenic view while paying tribute to Georgetown’s 175th birthday and Red Poppy Festival.
One year into the project, members have completed the model railroad but haven’t stopped there. “Most of them are a bunch of retired electrical and mechanical engineers who have incredible skills and imaginations. I am fascinated by what they continue to come up with. They keep adding things all the time. I don’t think they’ll ever be done,” Nels says with a laugh. He points out interactive features like an Elvis figure singing “Hound Dog”, Batman, and a drive-in movie where the volume can be turned on. “Everybody wants to see the train. Kids will ask, ‘Is it real, Mom?’ It just brings tears to my eyes.” Another group involved in the project is The Woodshop of Sun City, a group of men and women who crafted the courthouse and several other railroad structures.
Nels has enjoyed watching the railroad become a major draw for new customers from all over Georgetown – a welcome development given Mulligan’s challenging journey to becoming a community gathering place.
COMMUNITY HUBS
After visiting his family in Sun City and ultimately making it his retirement home 15 years ago, Nels decided to create what he felt was missing in his community. He and his wife Jan agree Wriggley’s Pub is “a fun sports bar in the middle of Sun City where you can come out and watch NFL on a Sunday and have a good time.” Seven years after opening Wriggley’s, Nels added another eatery, Mulligan’s. While Wriggley’s has thrived since the beginning, Mulligan’s has needed some help along the way. “Three times I was going to close it, but the community came together to keep it afloat,” he recalls. That was especially true during COVID, when a group of Sun City residents known as the Bucket Brigade raised funds to ensure Mulligan’s would remain a cherished gathering place.
That’s what it has become in the last five years, thanks in part to Mario Tablas, its “outstanding director of operations,” and executive chef Rufino Valverde, who always whips up delicious and sometimes secret recipes including various soups, lasagne, fried and grilled shrimp, and eggs benedict. For those with a sweet tooth, Mulligan’s offers homemade pies, including two customer favorites – key lime and chocolate mousse. Catering has been another significant addition, and Mulligan’s can tailor a menu for just about any event. In December 2023 alone, the restaurant catered more than 25 events inside and outside Sun City.
While Mulligan’s has become the go-to place for Sun City residents, the eatery is open to the general public. Nels notes that he has seen many new faces from all over Georgetown since the Red Poppy Community Garden Railroad opened just behind the restaurant by the pond. “Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy a meal and see the train.” Guests and their furry friends are welcome too, as both Mulligan’s and Wriggley’s offer dog-friendly patios, catering to Sun City’s many dog-loving residents, including Nels. “I have always loved dogs. I grew up in Iowa, and as I remember, every family had dogs. They are just a part of me now and I still love to see dogs wherever I go. I feel that it is important to let the residents bring their dogs with them while dining or drinking on one of our patios.”
GIVING BACK
Nels has strived to give back to the community that has done so much for Mulligan’s and Wriggley’s over the years, whether by sponsoring or donating to local groups including Meals on Wheels, the Rotary Club of Georgetown, the Georgetown Animal Shelter, Harley’s Angels Animal Sanctuary, and the city’s Blue Santa program.
As for future plans, “we are always thinking outside the box and will have some surprises down the road.” Meanwhile, Nels continues to take pride in the fellowship and camaraderie that Wriggley’s and Mulligan’s have brought to Georgetown. “They really have become meeting places,” he says.
Mulligan’s
1530 Sun City Blvd
512-688-5188
facebook.com/MulligansSunCity
Wriggley’s Pub
1530 Sun City Blvd, Ste 115
512-943-8064
facebook.com/WriggleyspubSC