Wanek’s Paris in Pembine Supper Club in Pembine, WI is a locally owned restaurant established on May 20, 2013. It is located in Pembine, the heart of Marinette County, and nestled in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Patrons have enjoyed good company and a cold beer in this building as far back as most people can remember. The building was built in the early 1900s, and it was converted from a bar into a supper club in 2003. The pressed tin ceiling in our bar is from the original bar. Our niche would be a sports bar where you can watch your favorite team play or brag about the great catch of the day. Then, just a few steps to our cozy dining room, you can enjoy anything, from burgers to premium steaks or a seafood combo. This is all while sipping your favorite cocktail. We have a wide customer base of local patrons, cabin goers, fishermen, hunters, snowmobilers, ATVers, skiers, businessmen, and women. Michele and Casey are excited to see you all!
“In September, my Michele and I were dining at Paris in Pembine. On our way out of the restaurant, Michele noticed the “For Sale” sign outside. Thoughts of an exciting adventure, no more corporate world, and our empty nest returned us to the restaurant the next day for a tour.
We started writing a business plan, but we never managed a restaurant nor owned a business. I found a business plan template online and carried it as far as I could. Then, we sought help from SCORE. We met two very kind and knowledgeable businessmen at SCORE who liked the foundation of the business plan. They recommended we seek funding help from the SBA. We were also invited by them to attend the next monthly meeting of SCORE mentors because the guest speaker happened to be from the Tavern League. Right after that meeting, we were introduced to Chuck Brys from the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Green Bay. We told Chuck where we were having trouble, and he provided answers to some of our questions and connected us to many helpful resources. Chuck was a huge asset for helping us finish our business plan. Chuck met with us four times (including one time on a Saturday), and we exchanged many phone calls and emails.
We tied up all the loose ends in our business plan by January. Then, we entered into an agreement with the sellers, with a letter of intent to purchase, and set the initial closing date in early April. That date had to be pushed forward to allow time for all the required SBA loan paperwork. Five revised letters of intent later, with our notices on our current employers, we took over the operation of the business via lease in late May with a final closing date set at the end of July. After we turned the keys and opened the tills on the Tuesday before the Memorial Day weekend, we had instant success. Most of the wonderful staff, including our fabulous chef, stayed on board with us. Our customers were and are phenomenal! As of September, 1 year after our initial tour, we have done quite a bit of replacing of coolers, cabinets, television sets, bar supplies, and kitchen supplies—all while staying in the black. We have met hundreds of nice people from all over the world (no exaggeration), and we served over 2,500 people in August. To top it off, our staff thinks we broke a sales record for the Friday of the Labor Day weekend!
Michele and I kid around once in a while about the reality of those bar and restaurant rescue television shows. We changed a lot—the menu, prices, vendors, billing, and atmosphere (packers sports bar with a cozy French dining room). Customers are returning with friends and family, and we are working on our relationships with other local businesses, schools, churches, and clubs.
We’ll always have Paris (in Pembine)!”
- Casey (and My Michele) Wanek, Owners
If you want to enjoy good food, Wanek’s Paris in Pembine Supper Club is the perfect place to go. We dedicate ourselves to creating a unique experience for all our patrons. To do this, we serve them only the best-tasting dishes and drinks. Should you wish to learn more about our restaurant, feel free to contact us. We’d love to have a chat with you!