Let's be honest here--there are quite a few days working as a writer that you just want to go grab a drink and enjoy the company of some fellow beer drinkers. Our next stop on that thirst-quenching adventure may just be
Brogie's Tavern in Ishpeming.
Never heard of it? Well, that's because it used to be called Woody's--that is until Matt and Becky Dewitt bought it and changed the name.
"When the bar opens it will be called Brogie's Tavern. My grandfather had the nickname 'Broggie' Johnson when he worked at the Mather B.," says Matt Dewitt. "We decided to omit one 'g' to avoid pronunciation confusion. The name rhymes with stogie, not froggy."
The bar, which will be opening soon, will have a fun atmosphere, friendly bartenders and a ton of focus on quality Michigan craft brews. There will be six high-def TVs with NFL Sunday Ticket and a jukebox for the music-loving folks. In addition, mixed drinks will be made from ingredients, not bottled mixes.
But the most fun aspect of all? The Mug Hoisters Local 1869.
"It's a drinking union of sorts," says Dewitt. "Only 100 members will be admitted at any one time. There is a $100 fee to join and that gets you an embroidered jacket with your name and the Mug Hoisters logo on it. It also gets you a membership card that entitles you and one guest to happy hour prices whenever the bar is open for one year. We already have the membership roster filling--anyone can
email us for details."
If you frequented Woody's Bar, don't expect to see the same ol' place when Brogie's does open. Lots of changes, says Dewitt, have made it "unrecognizable from its previous life."
The bar will accept cash and credit/debit cards and will be doing lots of social media updating, so make sure to follow them on their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @BrogiesTavern.
Stop on in once the joint opens and say hi to Matt and Becky. And be nice--you never know when they'll toss a free drink token your way.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Matt Dewitt, Brogie's Tavern
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