Downtown Ishpeming has a well-established bar and restaurant scene, but that hasn’t stopped newcomers from contributing their talents and hard work to the city’s social economy. Just 15 months after its grand opening, one new addition has already left its mark: Brogie’s Tavern, the brainchild of Becky and Matt Dewitt.
The couple officially purchased the place, formerly Woody's Bar, on June 28, 2012 and had the place ready for business by September 11 of that year--not exactly the most auspicious date, says Becky, “but it was the day our health department clearance came through, so we opened immediately.” She credits the hardworking crew at Timber Ridge Construction for fast-tracking the cleanup and renovation process.
Since then, Brogie’s has been a whirlwind of activity. While Becky is the official owner and manager, Matt contributes plenty of his time and energy to keep the place running smoothly. The couple has already hired several crew members “with great attitudes and great personalities,” says Becky.
One of the bar’s biggest attractions has turned out to be its NFL Sunday Ticket TV package. As any cable or satellite customer knows, it costs a pretty penny to pipe in out-of-market or blacked-out NFL games during the season. Brogie’s has been able to capitalize on a geographical quirk with which central U.P. residents are all too familiar: Despite being home to a disproportionate number of Lions fans, Marquette County’s proximity to the Green Bay TV market ensures that Packers games receive broadcasting preference.
Matt sums it up nicely. “The best part of having every game, every Sunday,” he says, “is that the Lions are always on. Six games weren’t on network TV this season, so [local] Lions fans have found us as a place to see their team play.” Fantasy football fans, meanwhile, enjoy the bar’s ability to put on six games at a time.
Whether they’re cheering for the Lions, Packers or Hematites, patrons find plenty of inventive drinks at Brogie’s, which includes seasonal favorites like New Holland Brewing's Ichabod Pumpkin Ale. “Our draft beer selection has been well-received,” says Becky. “In the future, we’d love to offer more of a selection.”
In the meantime, Brogie’s has more than 100 varieties of liquor on the shelf, including 20 individual whiskies and 20 vodkas. Popular house cocktails include the Whitetail, the Mackinac Island and the Bermuda Triangle. What’s in them, you ask?
“The names don’t do them justice,” says Matt. “You have to come in and try them for yourself.”
Becky and Matt aren’t used to settling, and they’re certainly not content to rest on the success that Brogie’s has enjoyed thus far. While they’re still in the early stages of planning and have yet to settle on a regular menu, they have designs on a kitchen with an amply sized oven. Instead of running down to Congress Pizza for a quick bite, Brogie’s regulars may soon be able to enjoy hot-cooked food while they sip on their Whitetails.
What’s more, Matt and Becky are steadily building their bar’s reputation as a music venue. Matt and local musician Danzo McCracken go way back, and Brogie’s sets aside Sunday evenings for an increasingly popular musical event called “Danzo’s Living Room.” The idea is simple and elegant: Patrons can sit on a stage with comfortable furniture and participate in informal jam sessions with the Nudge frontman, who seems to love the opportunity to collaborate with talented locals. Monday through Saturday, Brogie’s uses the “living room” as a lounge area.
Brogie’s is also building on past successes. In past years, Matt has found a receptive audience for his homemade Doorstops, and he and Becky are looking forward to using the bar to distribute the crafts to local buyers. It’s unclear how many will be available this year, but Brogie’s will be the place to find them.
With a killer cocktail menu, a healthy lineup of performing artists and big plans for the future, Brogie’s Tavern is on the path to even more success. Stop by 106 North Second Street in Ishpeming to see what all the buzz is about.
Brian Martucci writes about business, finance, food, drink and anything else that catches his fancy. When he’s not working out of his office on Marquette’s East Side, you can find him stretching his legs on the trails or sampling local flavors at Blackrocks and the Ore Dock.
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