The watering hole currently home to TJ's Sports Bar & Grill on M-140 south of Territorial Road in Bainbridge Township was established as early as 1957. However, it was likely a gathering place prior to that. In May of 1957 it was robbed of $80. Later that year, Ben Knytych, owner of the bar, said nothing was missing in another incident when a pane of glass was smashed.
Announcement of new ownership of the M-140 Bar came in 1960, with Richard and Vivian Brown being the proud new owners. Regular attractions included the Friday night fish fry and Saturday night dancing to some of the more popular local bands, including polka bands.
In 1963 the M-140 Bar was completely remodeled and the grand reopening was celebrated that December.
Around 1965, Jack Harker was the proprietor of the M-140 bar, continuing to serve patrons’ favorite beverages, beer, wine and mixed drinks. On July 14, 1969, Harker sold the M-140 to Douglas Dunham. The establishment was then called Doug’s M-140 Bar. The fish fries continued—with steaks being added—every Friday night, summer and winter. At some point during the 1970s, the menu expanded to include other food items, in addition to continuing the fish fry tradition. Doug’s M-140 Bar was the proud sponsor of many bowling and slow pitch softball teams during this time.
In August 1989, Bainbridge township authorities approved the transfer of the M-140 Bar’s liquor license to Michael Dewey and thus, Dewey’s Bar & Grill was born. He was known for his famous “Dewey Burger” and made many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the little ones who were brought in by his customers. Mr. Dewey ground his own meat for his sought after burgers.
Dewey’s Bar & Grill was frequently a stopping point on motorcycle and snowmobile charity runs, a tradition that continued with the next owners, Jaime and Karla Carr, who purchased the bar and grill in 2003. Three years later, a fire devastated the building, causing nearly $350,000 in damage.
The building was rebuilt and the business continues today as the popular TJ’s Sports Bar & Grill, owned by Joe and Tara Matthews.
Original source can be found here.
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