MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – After two decades, new owners have been put in place at Stucko’s Pub & Grill of Marquette.
Two long-time employees, Emily Sales and her partner Jeffry Walker, are continuing the legacy of Mike and Sonia Stucko’s beloved local business.
“The Stucko’s always wanted to be able to sell to their employees, it was kind of a dream of theirs,” explained Walker. “They have set us up for success, we’re calling it the ‘Passing of the Shoop.’
Since arriving three years ago, Walker has spent most of his time as a front house manager. After almost 14 years, Sales has held positions in bartending, managing, and becoming acquainted with the books of the business. She says discussions about the transfer have been ongoing for about two years.
“I was the perfect candidate, being someone who knows so much about the business already,” she said. “Jeff and I complement each other really well, and we realized this is something we can do, so we said ‘why not? let’s go for it.'”
The Stucko’s signed over the business to Emily and Jeff on June 23, officially beginning their ownership journey on the 25th. While the change might seem like a major shift for the pub, the plan for now is to keep business running as usual.
“This business has been here for 20 years, and there’s a reason it’s successful,” said Walker. “The only changes perhaps would be modernizing some systems, hopefully sometime in the fall we’ll stay open later on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Otherwise, we just want to keep doing what we’re doing.”
The couple says their main goal is to keep the fun alive in downtown Marquette. As the business has been passed along, Mike and Sonia Stucko are still proud owners of Breaker’s Roadhouse in Marquette.
