Inspiring Conversations with Ashley Rothstein of Mr Divots & Divots Back9 Bar & Grill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Rothstein.

Hi Ashley , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My husband and I have always enjoyed building businesses together. We met while working at NM Residential, a multifamily real estate company, and after getting married at 20, we began investing in our own rental properties and apartment buildings. Over the years, we’ve grown our real estate portfolio while raising our family.

Somewhere along the way, I had what I jokingly call a midlife crisis and decided to go to nursing school. After having six children, I became an emergency department nurse—a career that has been incredibly rewarding and has taught me the value of staying calm under pressure, serving others, and leading a team.

Golf has always been one of my husband’s biggest passions, so when the opportunity to purchase Mr. Divots came along in 2023, we knew it was something special. We saw tremendous potential and immediately got to work transforming the property. Since then, we’ve completely renovated the driving range with covered, heated Toptracer bays that are open year-round, replaced the old batting cages with state-of-the-art equipment, and refreshed the ice cream shop to create a better experience for families.

When we purchased the property, the restaurant space was leased to another operator. In January of this year, we took over that space ourselves and reopened it as Divots Back9 Bar & Grill. Our vision was to create more than just a sports bar—we wanted a welcoming gathering place where golfers, families, and the community could come together for great food, drinks, entertainment, and fun. It’s been an exciting journey, and we’re proud to continue investing in a place that has meant so much to the community for decades.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing about our journey has been smooth! Owning and renovating a 50-year-old property has tested us mentally, physically, and emotionally more than once.

Anytime you’re renovating a business that’s been around for decades—especially one that many people consider a local landmark—everyone has an opinion. The community is incredibly passionate about Mr. Divots, which is something we genuinely appreciate, but it also means people are very vocal about changes they like… and the ones they don’t. On top of that, the property has a nonconforming zoning designation, which has created an entirely different set of challenges behind the scenes.

Our biggest challenge has probably been opening Divots Back9 Bar & Grill. We had planned for a new tenant to operate the restaurant, but they backed out just over a month before they were scheduled to open. We were faced with a difficult decision: either leave the space empty for the entire season or take it over ourselves. We felt we owed it to the community to keep it open.

Once we made that decision, everything moved at lightning speed. We designed the concept, planned the menu, hired staff, and completed the renovation in just over a month. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much our team accomplished in such a short period of time.

Running a family business is a constant balancing act and an adventure all at once. It pushes us in ways we never imagined, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Seeing families create memories here, watching the property come back to life, and knowing we’re building something that will serve the community for years to come makes every challenge worthwhile.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mr Divots & Divots Back9 Bar & Grill?
Mr. Divots is a family entertainment destination tucked away on a quiet side street in North Royalton. Since opening in 1976, it has been a place where generations of families have come to make memories, and we’re honored to continue that tradition while giving the property new life.

Today, Mr. Divots offers something for everyone. We have 40 driving range bays, including covered and heated Toptracer bays that allow guests to golf year-round, state-of-the-art batting cages, an 18-hole miniature golf course, sand volleyball courts that host summer and fall leagues, an ice cream shop, and Divots Back9 Bar & Grill featuring a full-service kitchen and bar.

What we’re most proud of is that there’s truly something here for every age and every occasion. Whether you’re planning an affordable family outing, meeting friends after work, hosting coworkers for a team event, practicing your golf swing, or simply grabbing dinner and drinks, you can spend an entire day at Mr. Divots without breaking the bank.

Our goal has always been to create a place where people can disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with the people around them. We want families to make traditions here, kids to create memories they’ll look back on years from now, and friends to have a place they can count on for fun, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere.

At the end of the day, that’s what makes Mr. Divots special. We’re not just a driving range or a restaurant—we’re a community gathering place where everyone is welcome.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
If I had to choose one quality in life, it would be resilience. In fact, I wear the word on a bracelet every day as a reminder.

Owning and operating businesses means something is always going to go wrong. There are unexpected setbacks, difficult decisions, and long days. Add in raising six children, maintaining a strong marriage, and continuing to work as a nurse, and life can feel like a constant balancing act.

I’ve learned that success isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about how you respond to them. Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and come back stronger, and resilience is what has carried me through every stage of my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Mrdivots.net