Tavern on Main moves closer to opening

Visitors to Downtown Midland will soon have a familiar name serving sandwiches, burgers and more along with a cool drink once the former Diamond Jim's reopens as Tavern On Main in the near future. The Tavern, located at 101 East Main Street, will be opening its doors to Midland’s downtown visitors as soon as state paperwork for the liquor license is completed and in the hands of Lasko Laskaj, owner of the bar and the building.
The Tavern on Main is getting a huge makeover.
Laskaj is no stranger to the restaurant industry. Originally from Yugoslavia, and now a Midland resident, Laskaj opened Lasko’s Restaurant on Washington Street in Midland in 2014, where breakfasts and lunches were the specialty. After that, he opened a second location for Lasko’s Restaurant on Wilder Road in Bay City and his third restaurant called Omelettes and More on Mission Street in Mt. Pleasant. 

The new restaurant will focus on lunch and dinner service as well as having a full bar including 10 different beers on tap.

In recent years, all three of his previous restaurant locations have been sold so that Laskaj can focus his efforts on Tavern On Main. He says he’s been working behind the scenes getting everything just right before the doors officially open. 

The tavern is getting a huge makeover. “We had an artist come in and do a mural of the Tridge,” and that is just one piece of the renovations that have been done inside. Laskaj has also renovated the location to include new appliances, televisions, furniture and other decor to make the place friendly and welcoming. 

Laskaj, famous for his corned beef dishes at his previous diners, is trying something a little different with Tavern on Main. Since “Midland needs more variety of foods”, according to Laskaj, he’s creating a menu that will consist of American pub cuisine which will include items such as “burgers, salads, soups, stir-fry.” The menu will also include a few kids items as well as some amazing sounding appetizers like loaded potato skins and coconut shrimp and salsa.  

Laskaj originally looked for another business to lease the location, but since it remained vacant, he decided he would open a new restaurant there himself. He’s excited to be a part of the downtown community.
Tavern on Main is looking to hire more staff.
The website for Downtown Midland says “for all its pleasant twists, what consistently seems to surprise new residents and visitors the most is the deep sense of community in Downtown Midland”, and Laskaj says he is happy to be joining this community and becoming a part of all the events and activities that happen on Main Street and the surrounding area.

“We are looking forward to summer with Tavern on Main who is already pursuing outdoor dining options and is excited to be part of the Commons adult-beverage-to-go options offered in Downtown Midland. Lasko has been great to work with and has contagious enthusiasm for his work,” said Selina Crosby Harris, community affairs director for the City of Midland. “Downtown Midland is always thrilled to feature a new restaurant in the district and we are happy to welcome Tavern on Main. It’s one more reason to visit downtown!”
 
Laskaj has some staff that has followed him from his previous restaurants and for that he is grateful, but he is still hoping to hire more staff before the big opening. If you’re interested in working at Tavern on Main, contact Laskaj at 586-932-7369.