Birdie’s Pizza & Garden Bar, “where every slice tells a story,” is all about community, flavor, and creativity. With artisan brick-oven pizzas, vibrant gourmet salads, and an atmosphere that feels like home, it’s more than a restaurant — it’s an experience meant to be shared.
Tyler Thieschafer and Michael Gauthier, along with their wives and co-owners Chelsea Gauthier and Sheena Thieschafer, all hail from Central Minnesota — and they’re bringing more than just hometown pride to the table. Michael has always had a deep passion for cooking, known among friends and family as the guy who could turn any meal into an unforgettable experience. If you were lucky enough to get a dinner invite, you knew you were in for something special … the kind of food that keeps you coming back for more.
Tyler, on the other hand, has a gift for connecting with people and building community. His heart for hospitality and Michael’s love for food made the perfect recipe for something bigger: a business built on passion, hard work, and a genuine love of feeding others.
Over the years, they’ve honed their craft by cooking for neighbors, friends, and family — each meal sharpening their skills and fueling the dream. That dream became a reality when they got the chance to bring their vision to life at The House Food & Tap in St. Joseph, MN, where Birdies Pizza & Garden Bar was born.
Inspired by their travels and rooted in small-town Minnesota, Birdie’s specializes in authentic Italian brick-oven pizza with a cozy, home-cooked twist. Tyler and Michael have always been passionate about good food, great company, and bringing people together … and what better way to do that than with pizza?
“As longtime volunteers and community-builders, the dream of opening a place where friends, families, and neighbors could gather over amazing food was always in the cards. Our love for hosting family cookouts and making memorable meals sparked the idea — and Birdie’s was born,” shared Owner & General Manager, Tyler. “Of course, every great kitchen needs its secret ingredients: enter our wives, Chelsea and Sheena. They’re the business-minded powerhouses behind the scenes who make the magic happen and keep everything running like a well-oiled (pizza) machine.”
“At Birdie’s, every dish is crafted with love, inspired by travels abroad, and grounded in the warmth of home,” explained Owner & Chef, Michael. “Whether you're here for a casual bite or a special celebration, you’ll find that every slice is a tribute to connection, community, and the simple joy of sharing a great meal.”
Tyler and Michael didn’t just dream about opening a pizzeria — they went all in. Both left behind successful careers to fully invest in Birdie’s and pursue what truly drives them: creating incredible food and building a space where community thrives. What started as a passion for feeding family and friends turned into a full-time commitment to something bigger — sharing that same joy with the entire community. From crafting every recipe to tossing dough in the kitchen, Tyler and Michael are hands-on and all heart, showing up every day to do what they love. “Birdie’s isn’t just a business. It’s a leap of faith, a labor of love, and a place where purpose meets pizza.”
“The most exciting part of what we do is easy; it’s serving the community the best experience we possibly can,” shared Tyler. “We understood a market that needed artisan pizza, one that you didn't have to drive 1-1.5 hours to enjoy the taste of Italy for an evening. We wanted to make sure that it became a reality for anyone who wanted to enjoy it!”
But it isn’t all sunshine and great sauce … starting a new business isn’t for the faint of heart. “Starting something new is never easy, and we knew that going in,” explained Michael. “When Birdie’s opened its doors in March 2025, it wasn’t just the start of a business; it was the result of months and months (and countless hours) of planning, learning, and dreaming. Behind every pizza on our menu is a story — of flavor testing late into the night, business planning at kitchen tables, and learning the ins and outs of creating a restaurant concept from scratch. It was exciting, exhausting, and at times overwhelming … but it was worth every second. What most people never see is the work before the opening day: the taste tests, the branding decisions, the financial planning, and the endless problem-solving. It stretched all of us in new ways, but it also made us stronger, smarter, and more connected — not just as business partners, but as a team with a shared vision. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re just getting started.”
Located at "The House Food & Tap," their motto from day one of opening our doors was not just about providing a place to eat, but about enhancing our sense of community. “The goal was to create a space where good people can connect over great food, share experiences, and build relationships. We connect and work with all three other restaurants (Eminent Coffee, 98 Hawaiian Grill, and Joetown Burgers) located in The House to build the community and engage in the love for food,” said Tyler. “In addition, all Birdie’s owners participate in many charitable events, support our employees' endeavors, and will continue to volunteer in our central MN community.”
“We believe in Community over Competition,” added Michael. “As a new business, we've been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by some amazing neighbors in our building. From fellow business owners and chefs to experienced mentors and supportive employees, the community around us has been nothing short of inspiring. Their willingness to share knowledge, lend a hand, and offer guidance has made a huge impact on our journey — especially in these early stages. We’ve learned valuable lessons, formed meaningful relationships, and felt welcomed into a network of people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. It’s a reminder that when businesses support one another, the whole community thrives, and we’re proud to be a part of that.”
But what does Birdie’s say really sets them apart? Their people. “At Birdie’s, our secret ingredient isn’t just in the sauce, it’s in our staff. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with genuine smiles, good vibes, and a team that truly cares. Our crew isn’t just here to serve food; they’re here to make your day better,” said Tyler. “With hustle, heart, and a love for what they do, our team goes above and beyond to make every guest feel like family. Need help choosing the perfect pizza? Want to talk about your day while your salad’s being tossed? We’re all about those little moments that turn a meal into an experience.”
It’s their passion, positivity, and commitment to hospitality that make Birdie’s feel like home and keep customers coming back for more. As Michael put it, “At Birdie’s, we don’t just serve food — we serve heart, one slice at a time.”
“We’re so grateful for the incredible support we’ve received so far — and if you’d like to continue cheering us on, there are a few simple (and fun) ways to do it,” Michael & Tyler added. “Come visit us! We love welcoming guests to The House to enjoy artisan pizzas and garden-fresh salads. You can also leave us a review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. Your kind words (and shoutouts to our amazing team) mean the world to us — and they help others discover us too. You can also follow us on social media; we’re on Facebook and Instagram. Share our posts and keep an eye on what’s next – we’re just getting started!”
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