Meet The Thirsty Goat

Brian Asher and his wife, Meghann, moved to Northern Michigan because, in Brian’s words, “it is a great place to raise a family.”

The pair, who moved here from Chicago a little over a year ago, were looking at different opportunities in the region’s hospitality industry with their investment partner, Paul Mitchell III.

And before long, they heard the call of… the goat.

“When we went through the 220 Lake Street building (in Boyne City), we knew that it had so much potential,” Asher explains.

Having worked diligently over the past few months to get 220 Lake ready for business, they’re now the proprietors of a new Boyne City restaurant that they’ve dubbed The Thirsty Goat, complete with an eclectic New American menu and the restaurant’s unique mascot.

“My wife named the restaurant,” Asher says. “She has a great background in marketing, and came up with a name that is recognizable and memorable. The logo was designed to show exactly what the name displays - a goat happily quenching his thirst.”

LOCALIZED MENU

That goat will be able to quell his appetite, too, if The Thirsty Goat’s menu is any indication.

It begins with a reliable roster of sandwiches and burgers - but with one of the Ashers’ goals being to help support local agriculture and local food purveyors, the menu will also include several items that Asher calls “unique to Northern Michigan.”

“We’ll be offering a Pasty of the Day; Saltimbocca made with Duerksen’s turkey; Jordan Valley Buffalo Meatloaf; and seasonal fish entrees from John Cross Fisheries,” Asher says.

“I am excited about many of the items our Chef Gene Cebulski has developed,” he continues. “He came up with some great items that we look forward to serving to Boyne and the surrounding communities.”

BOYNE’S GOATYARD

The ambiance of the restaurant is a cross between a casual dining café and a modern tavern; Asher says they’ll also be bringing in some light local entertainment, and are planning to open up the loft above the entrance in the near future, which they’ve already dubbed “The Goatyard,” to showcase bands in the evenings.

With everything this well-planned, it’s no surprise that their choice of location wasn’t an accident, either.

“Boyne City is one of the most active, growing communities in Northern Michigan, and we wanted to be part of it,” Asher says.

The Thirsty Goat, 220 Lake Street in downtown Boyne City. Telephone 231-459- 4409 or visit them online at www.facebook. com/thirstygoatboyne.