About

The Tee Box Story

Opening a bar, restaurant, and golf simulator business was not an original plan for the Thompson family, but sometimes community needs and opportunities arise, and an undreamed-of endeavor manifests. However unintended, this new Spring Valley business for the Thompsons does originate with experience and passion.

Melanie, the Mayor of Spring Valley, was looking for ways to revitalize business in downtown Spring Valley. The simulator concept stems from John’s brother, JT, who has a lifelong history in the golf business and owns a golf simulator facility in Wisconsin. Tyler, with a history of bartending experience, added the sports bar vision, and he and Melanie worked together to create the atmosphere of The Tee Box. Adding a food menu to this business combines John’s and Melanie’s upbringing. John had a long-standing family history in the restaurant business. John’s grandfather, Jay Thompson, started the food business tradition and owned and operated Jay’s Supper Club in Arlington, IL. John’s parents, Jim and Pat Thompson, owned restaurants throughout the Illinois Valley for many years. John and Melanie opened J.T’s Bar and Grill in Cherry, IL, in 1992. This history brings a few staple items to The Tee Box menu, such as JTs famous fried chicken, Al’s potatoes, and Grandpa Jim’s family recipe for spaghetti sauce. Melanie has always loved to cook and loves to serve fresh, homemade dishes. She struggled to find a good salad during her busy season as a CPA, so her initial restaurant concept was serving fresh, flavorful salads. You can find a wide variety of salads on the menu, including fresh vegetables, marinated meats, freshly grated cheeses, and homemade salad dressings. She also wanted to include some family tradition favorites at the restaurant. Her family’s traditional favorites on the menu include Italian Beef Sandwiches, Cheese bread, Spinach artichoke dip, the Mediterranean Charcuterie board, and Chicken Parmesan with homemade marinara sauce.

Tyler, an avid sports fan, was intrigued by creating a place for his friends to gather, play golf, and watch their favorite sports teams. Tyler’s favorite teams and sports history influence the walls at The Tee Box. You’ll often find Tyler at The Tee Box with his son Reign, teaching him to throw, hit, and swing through all the simulators’ sports. Tyler’s passion for family, friends, and sports is a driving force for his business ideas.

While visiting The Tee Box, various family members work together to ensure the facility provides the envisioned experience. Tyler manages the bar, Kelsey is our waitstaff manager and mixologist, and John and Melanie handle the food. You’ll even find their younger children and grandchildren helping along as needed.

You will also see area community members working the bar and restaurant and see products and food supplied by local businesses. The Tee Box uses products from Essl Farms, Spring Valley Bakery, Cosgrove Distributors, Wyanet Meats, and Avanti Foods to ensure freshness and quality for their patrons.

The Tee Box is a next-level dining, drinking, and entertainment experience. While the name “tee” represents the golf green, The Tee Box represents so much more than golf; it is an experience for individuals, couples, and families. The “tee” also stands for the T in the Thompson name, and the Thompson family is thankful for all the support received during The Tee Box’s first year and looks forward to providing a relaxing atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy.