TRAVERSE CITY — Rare Bird Brewpub in Traverse City has reopened today, months after a fire in April forced its closure. The popular establishment, a local staple, is back in business in time for the National Cherry Festival after a two-and-a-half-month restoration period.
The fire in April caused significant fire, smoke and water damage to parts of the building, including the kitchen and bar area. Co-owner Tina Schuett had aimed for a summer reopening and the team worked diligently to meet that goal.
Co-owner Schuett expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of community support during the restoration process. “We had a huge outpouring. People that want to support us. So we asked them to do a meal train to bring lunch for us every day while we were working and it was two months solid. We didn’t have to stop. Think about it. Pay for it. That was a huge, huge help. Was really sweet to see the community show up for that,” Schuett said.
The two-and-a-half-month renovation included a kitchen makeover, new bar tiling, refinished tables and new lighting. Schuett noted that new bar stools were installed, promising they would be comfortable for guests. “We got new very comfortable bar stools, which a lot of people should be very happy about. We refinished all the tables, new wallpaper, new lights. So it’s the same old rare bird. Just yes, slightly elevated,” Schuett added, also stating, “We definitely did some small touches to elevate it.”
The owners decided to self-fund the repairs instead of waiting for insurance approval, which they learned would take a lot longer. “We didn’t actually end up waiting for insurance. We learned that it would take a lot longer to wait for their approval on everything. So we just started charging ahead on our own,” Schuett explained.
Regular patron Joe Black was among the first guests back, enjoying a beer at his usual spot at the bar. He expressed enthusiasm for the reopening. “Nate and Tina have such a great thing going here that I wanted to be there to show support and to have one of the first beers that they were going to pour and just have a good time with all the other regulars and all my other friends,” Black said. Black also commented on the improved ambiance. “There’s a lot more natural light in here. I’ve heard the kitchen has gotten quite the glow up as well. And otherwise the integrity of the place is still here, but just a little bit nicer, a little bit fresher. And these awesome new bar stools are perfect,” Black stated.
Rare Bird Brewpub operates every day from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., serving its customary food and drinks. The establishment is also celebrating 12 years in business. Nearly all staff members remained with the brewpub through the restoration period.
Rare Bird Brewpub plans to operate daily from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Co-owner Schuett expressed her relief, stating, “We were just so deep in it and trying to get through it. So I just feel super relieved and happy that we’re opening.”