ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – In honor of Women’s History Month, WZMQ is highlighting female-owned businesses throughout March.
Applewood Eatery has become an Escanaba staple over the last decade. However, owner Macy Neumeier says she did not always know she would end up as a business owner.
At the age of 20, Neumeier left Escanaba to be a performer in New York City. While living in New York, she discovered another passion.
“When I wasn’t performing–like every starving actress and actor–I was in the food industry,” she explained. “I worked in a little cafe for seven years, and I just fell in love with that culture and wanted to bring a little piece of New York home.”
Neumeier describes Applewood Eatery as “an experience,” combining tastes from the Big Apple with the environment and comfort of her hometown.
“As soon as you walk in, it’s beautiful,” she said. “This place has great bones. It has the brick walls and the original ceilings. The food is just quality, from scratch, and fresh.”
As Applewood Eatery prepares for its tenth anniversary in September, Neumeier says she is grateful for the community that has embraced her since the beginning.
“I’ve held several fundraisers here, and showers and other events,” said Neumeier. “It’s great to be a place where people can feel at home, and they can come in happy and leave happier.”
Neumeier believes female businesses are vital to communities like Escanaba. She encourages any women considering starting their own business to go for it.
“Then you wouldn’t have regrets,” she said. “Just try it out. If it doesn’t work, it wasn’t meant to be, but if you don’t follow through with your dreams you’ll never know.”
Applewood Eatery is located at 1307 Ludington Street and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Follow Applewood Eatery on Facebook to hear about events being hosted at the restaurant this year as they are announced.
WZMQ will present the final Female Business Spotlight next week.
