A Warm Welcome Awaits at the Grand Marais Tavern
By Kim Kisner, Contributing Writer
What happens when two determined individuals from downstate fall in love with a tiny town and a sportsman’s club-turned-tavern in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? The answer is Grand Marais Tavern – where visitors walk in as strangers and leave as friends.
Having not spent much time previously in the U.P., Jessica and Timothy Flynn made the leap from Howell to Grand Marais in 2023, taking full ownership of the beloved tavern in the spring of 2024. Their journey started as a snowmobiling trip Tim took with friends, which eventually led to the dream of making Grand Marais their permanent home.
“We had some close friends who had moved to the area, and Tim went up for a visit – he was hooked immediately,” Jessica recalls. Eventually, she joined him on a trip to see the place he had fallen for, and it didn’t take long for her to see the draw.
“We started going into the Grand Marais Tavern and began to sort of covet it,” Jessica shares. “We’d talk about what changes could be made, and after our kids graduated and my husband became eligible for retirement, we took the plunge.”
The couple sold their home in the Lower Peninsula, moved into an apartment, and embraced the UP lifestyle. Before officially taking over, they had a unique opportunity to ‘try before you buy,’ working to get a feel for running the business. Now, Jessica is transitioning from working remotely in accounting to managing the tavern full-time – a challenge she welcomes with open arms.
Bringing Their Own Flavor to the Tavern
While honoring the tavern’s established reputation, the Flynn’s have made it their own with thoughtful updates. The menu, previously featuring great burgers and pizza, has been expanded. “It had been kind of a ‘guy’s guy’ place,” Jessica explains. “We updated the salad bar, added frozen drinks and more variety to the drinks menu, incorporated veggie pizza, and bean burgers and even introduced Costa Rican soup and pizza, thanks to one of our employees from Costa Rica.”
They’ve also enhanced the space itself, adding all new tables and upgrading kitchen equipment, TVs, and plumbing – courtesy of Tim who is a plumber by trade. “We wanted to make it more comfortable and inviting for both locals and visitors,” she says.
A Haven for Snowmobilers
Grand Marais Tavern is a key stop on the UP snowmobiling circuit. The town, though small, is a prime destination for riders, with its proximity to trails like H58, 442, and the renowned ‘Crazy 8s.’ “We love giving riders the inside scoop on the best trails,” Jessica says. “And usually, they’ll come back to share their adventures.”
The tavern’s warm atmosphere and consistent presence have made it a fixture in the snowmobiling community. She shares, “Many riders come up multiple times a year and check in with us. Last year, when we were ‘practicing’ running the place, they were incredibly supportive. Now that we officially own it, they’re even more excited for us.
Jessica says that winter visitors bring a unique energy to the tavern. “Snowmobilers are laid-back and fun. They look out for each other – and for us – and it’s just a great community,” she says. In contrast, summer visitors tend to be more transient, but the tavern still has plenty of repeat customers who return year after year.
Challenges and Triumphs
Running a business in a town with only about 419 full-time residents presents its challenges. One of the biggest? Staffing.
“Most of our employees come from Munising, Newberry, or even as far as MacMillan—50 minutes away,” Jessica says. To show appreciation, the Flynn’s host thank-you parties twice a year, including a Christmas dinner and a special summer gathering after the Fourth of July.
Unlike many seasonal businesses in the UP, the Grand Marais Tavern doesn’t lay off employees during slower periods. “They have bills to pay and families to take care of,” Jessica says. “We want to support them as much as they support us.”
The Heart of the Tavern: Its People
For Jessica, the most rewarding part of running the tavern is the people. “We’ve met so many friendly faces. No one’s a stranger here,” she says. The tavern has become a crossroads for visitors from all over the world – welcoming guests from Costa Rica, India, Japan, and China.
It’s not just about serving food and drinks – it’s about creating a comfortable space where people connect. “In the summer, we see folks once a year and catch up on their lives. It’s a fun, tight-knit community where everyone is welcoming and kind,” Jessica shares.
Looking Ahead
The Flynns have big dreams for the tavern’s future. Plans include potential patio renovations, continued investments in equipment, and possibly special meals and events during slower seasons to draw visitors in.
They’re also committed to giving back, supporting local causes like snowmobile fundraisers, classroom sponsorships, and sled racing events. “The more successful the tavern is, the more we can give back,” Flynn says.
As Grand Marais Tavern continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: its role as a welcoming, home-away-from-home for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re stopping in for a meal after a long ride on the trails or just looking for a friendly place to warm up, you’ll find it here. •