Papa Lou‘s rocks Petoskey

March 23, 2008

From day one when it opened in July of 2005, Papa Lou’s in downtown Petoskey has been “the place to be.” According to bar manager Johnnie Walker, who said he was speaking on behalf of the entire staff, it all has to do with a vision and philosophy that everyone, regardless of their position, shares.
“We want an environment where things are happening, where things are new and always fresh. We want this to be the place that everyone wants to be at. Our regulars like that we remember their names and drinks, and first timers always feel welcome,” said Walker.
“The owner, Stacy Vandenbrouck, created that mindset from the start,” he added. “It is how we approach everything. We have also created a work environment where the employees want to be. We have fun here. Sure, it is hard work, but it is fun work.”
Papa Lou’s has built its “place to be” status on its eclectic approach to entertainment.
“Certainly, DJ Bill Da Kat is a big part of our success. He is an innovator. One of the new things that few in this state are doing is the video DJ thing, giving people a visual to the music mixes. DJ Kat puts some real cool mixes together and we get people asking us, where did he get that from. He mixed it himself and the only place you can hear it is right here,” said Walker. “Our musical approach is to offer variety, whether it is the acoustic work of Michelle Chenard on Sunday nights or some major recording act.”

MIXING THINGS UP
At Papa Lou’s there is something going on every night and the staff likes it that way.
“On Mondays we have euchre, Tuesdays we have a free Texas Hold ‘Em tournament that people love because they don’t have to blow their kids’ college education fund to play,” said Walker. “We just started a karaoke dance night on Wednesdays. Instead of sitting around and listening to people sing all night, we mix it up with dance music. We have ladies night on Thursday and local merchants donate cool prizes for giveaways. So we have created an environment here that gives people a reason to come in beyond the obvious.”
Another thing that Walker is proud of is the “Up, Close and Live” concerts. Papa Lou’s has been written about in trade publications for the concept.
“We have had some major international blue acts. In fact, April 19 we are having Larry McCray back,” said Walker. “What is cool -- and what people like -- is that these guys stay around and talk to the crowd after the show. We just had Donald Kinsey -- one of the original Wailers -- and after his show he sat around with the people and told Bob Marley and Peter Tosh stories. You don’t get that at a large venue and people love it.”
A happy staff is also a big part of Papa Lou’s success.
“We try to create a one big family environment here. What we strive for is to have fun while doing our jobs right,” said Walker. “We want the staff to enjoy themselves and always have a smile on their face. Our staff leaves their problems outside the door when they walk in, and that makes a huge difference.”

WOMEN-FRIENDLY
Papa Lou’s has gone out of their way to make the place comfortable for women.
“We have tried to create a safe environment,” Walker said. “I think that is why we have attracted so many women -- because they know they can come out and have a good time and not get harassed here. We don’t have the typical bouncers here. We like to call them ‘regulators.’ They are friendly and they work with the crowd.”
Something that Walker and the crew are proud of is Papa Lou’s appeal to a diverse crowd.
“I think that having two levels helps to attract people of all ages. On the main floor you can sit down have some drinks, play pool, video games or foosball. Or you can go upstairs and dance. Some people just like to come and watch what is happening. We have worked hard to create an environment that appeals to all ages.”
Papa Lou’s also has built a reputation for its food, from its award-winning pizzas to its quality burgers.
“We are so proud of our pizza that we tell people if they don’t like it, we will eat it,” said Walker. “Our burgers come from a local meat market, the Tannery Creek. It is organic beef. We have a variety of half-pound burgers. Plus our cooks are amazing -- they rock out -- especially considering how small the kitchen is. We get compliments on our appetizers. We keep our kitchen opened till 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.”

THEME NIGHTS
To keep things fresh, Papa Lou’s usually holds a theme night once a month.
“We have a tattoo night coming up, and in the past we have had a Hot Bods contest; our annual Pimp’s Ho’s Ball is very popular,” said Walker. “These theme nights are fun and they break things up. This September we are going to host a major motorcycle event. We are always coming up with something.”
Papa Lou’s also hosts several banquets. “We have had a lot of wedding rehearsal dinners and other types of receptions,” said Walker. “We do all sorts of parties, private functions and company Christmas parties.”
While some establishments scale back in the winter months, Walker says that approach goes against their philosophy.
“I don’t get why some places just ramp up for the summer crowd. All of us who work here, live here. So we want things going on year-round. Especially in the non-tourism times when things are slower, as that is our time to let our hair down,” said Walker. “We keep going year round regardless of the season and people tell us they appreciate that.”
Papa Lou’s also offers free cab service Thursday-Saturday from 11 p.m. on.
“We want our people to get home safe,” said Walker. “No one can afford a drunk driving ticket.”
Papa Lou’s is open seven days a week. For information on their entertainment offerings or to look over their menu check out papalous.us.