New menu, events on tap for 212

When Kyle Thill graduated from Sioux Falls Washington, he wasn’t sure which career path to take, so he enrolled at Colorado Technical University and studied criminal justice.

Thill, 33, soon learned that wasn’t the field for him.

So, he turned to construction, where he learned the pipe-fitting trade.

Once again, that line of work wasn’t satisfying him.

Then, he found bartending, a profession that he’s now transferring to that of bar and grill owner.

Beginning Jan. 1, 212º The Boiling Point transfers from Mark Fonder to Thill.

It was during a conversation where Fonder mentioned the Brandon establishment was up for sale, and it took just a moment before Thill announced, “I’m interested in taking over 212º.”

The Sioux Falls native is no stranger to 212, as he worked here previously under Fonder’s ownership. He also has prior bartending experience at Stubbies and Wiley’s Tavern, both in Sioux Falls.

“I worked at Wiley’s Tavern for five years after here, and that was more of a nightclub situation,” Thill said, “So it’s nice to be a little bit more mellow. It’s definitely more of a restaurant feel here and I’m trying to bring the bar crowd back some.”

Thill said he relishes the atmosphere in which he gets to work. 

“I loved this job, meeting new people, taking care of people, having fun, and it’s not a good job if you’re not having fun,” he said. “We’re going to focus on having fun with people and creating a good environment.”

From its start, racing has been the atmosphere of choice at the 212º The Boiling Point and Thill said the décor will remain for now. 

“We’re hoping the race track opens back up,” he said. “If we don’t have a race track, maybe we’ll look at some new décor because it was designed as a racing bar, but as of right now, I don’t know what I would do to change it.” 

While the décor remains the same for now, Thill said customers can expect to see some new additions to the menu. He’s planning to add more gluten-free and vegan options for those who want to eat healthier. 

Thill will also unveil a new drink menu, daily specials and happy hour food specials.

“Like I said, I’m trying to get the bar crowd back. I’ve got the restaurant crowd, so we want to make sure that our food is good, our service is good and then we’re going to have fun,” she said.

Tuesday Trivia Night will also expand to two nights, with Thursday tagged as the second. Thill is also considering karaoke and live music with one, two-member bands.

The bar and grill will be open seven days a week, and Thill said 212 will remain open until 2 a.m. every night.

“No matter what,” he said, “count on us being open.”

Thill’s first big test as 212’s new owner is the 11th annual BV Optimist Club’s wild game feed, which is Jan. 7-8.

“It’s a huge event and will be the first under my ownership. It’s for a great cause, so anything we can do to raise money to help them out is always a good deal and this year, we’re trying to do more than we did last year,” he said.

One thing that will not change, Thill promises, is 212’s support of community endeavors. 

“Brandon is a very tight-knit community, which is good and bad. If there’s something good going on, a lot of people have your back. If something bad is going on, it spreads like wildfire, so it’s the best of both worlds,” he said. “But I love the Brandon community. Everyone is very generous; they take care of their own, help you out, and doing these events, fundraisers, you have to have the community involved. Everybody gives their input and donations are huge, which helps us out because there are some out-of-pocket expenses … and whether it’s here or somewhere else, we’re going to be a part of it.”

In his downtime, the single Thill likes to travel, be in the outdoor and especially loves to ice fish.

“I’m a big ice fisherman, I live on the ice, and whenever I can get on ice, I do,” he said.

But for now, Thill pledges to be present at his establishment.

“I want to be out here as much as possible, and I will be out here to make sure everything goes smoothly,” he said. “Because this is my baby.”