The established bar is taking a new direction in downtown Flint. The Soggy Bottom Bar is about to become the Soggy Bottom Bar and Grille.
"Everybody wants food, and that's what we're going to do. Breakfast, lunch and dinner," said owner Steve Tressmer.
Soggy Bottom plans to serve up everything from burgers to steaks. It's been in business near the corner of Martin Luther King and University Drive since 2003. Tressmer has spent the past two years renovating the space next door.
"It started out as Can Joe's, then it went to Pasta Mama's and then Big Al's," Tressmer said. "Now it'll be Soggy Bottom Bar and Grille, and that'll be the end of it."
Tressmer hopes to have the Grille up and running in time for Back to the Bricks, and he envisions a "roaring" start.
"We have a Corvette club coming, and that'll bring more than 500 people. We'll hopefully be able to cater to them."
Last summer, the majority of downtown development was taking place on the south side of the river. This summer, it's creeping over to the north side. The Soggy Bottom wants to help lead the way.
"You've got a grocery store, a bar, a restaurant. Hopefully, someday, there will be a drug store in this neighborhood. We've been talking about that," Tressmer said.
With more people expected to move into the Riverfront Residence Hall and the soon-to-be completed Durant Hotel, Tressmer believes more foot traffic will come his way. "We're going to make it nice for people to come here, and don't be afraid to come north of the river."
Soggy Bottom Bar and Grille expects to hire around eight employees. They'll begin accepting resumes next month.
