Jefferson Street Inn buys City Grill and other Wausau business news

By B.C. Kowalski

Lately it seems like there is a lot going on business-wise. But it’s also been a bit challenging getting timely interviews with the owners of those businesses. 

So in this new column called Buzz around Town, which I hope to run monthly or close to it, I will compile some of the smaller business news to help keep you informed. We will still run longer pieces from either myself or from our freelancer Evan, but this will allow some of the information to come out in a more timely fashion. 

Westside diner movement: City leaders approved a Class B beer and liquor license for Tyler Vogt, owner of Malarkey’s Pub, for 628 Diner. The westside diner is something Vogt has been working on for some time.

Jefferson Street Inn buys City Grill: The Jefferson Street Inn announced last month that it has bought the City Grill. They’re planning on offering a buffet to room guests in the morning, and also plan to overhaul the menu this spring. The move makes sense since City Grill is essentially connected to the downtown hotel, meaning someone can go from their room to the restaurant without leaving the building. 

The new Ugly Mug: Devon Marx-Salzman and Arthur Wood III were awarded a Class B beer and liquor license for Honest J’s, which will be operating in the former Ugly Mug spot downtown. That spot, in the Third Street Lifestyle Center (which many may still remember as Washington Square), has been a coffee shop going back many years, as The Paisley Mug, Alister Deacon’s and even further back, Something’s Brewing. 

Polish takeover: Rodzina opened in the former Garden Pancake House last month (which before that was a Perkins restaurant for decades). Rodzina is the Polish name for family though the menu isn’t necessarily Polish food. The restaurant opened for takeout only last month, and has since opened for dining in as well. 

New sporting goods: Town of Rib Mountain officials confirmed that a new sporting goods business is slated for the former Gordman’s storefront on Rib Mountain Drive. Sportsman’s Warehouse will open its first Wisconsin location in the former clothing store’s spot. 

Bakery, south of the border: La Norenita opened last month in the former Pizza Hut location on First Avenue. The Mexican bakery also serves food, beer and groceries from Mexico and South America. 

Photo biz: Photographic Art by Dennis opened last month on the second floor of the Washington Square building. 

Bed, Bath and Beyond: Speaking of the area near Gordman’s, Bed Bath and Beyond announced last month it will be closing in Rib Mountain. That closing is part of the company shedding 87 stores in 30 states as it downsizes (after previously closing 150 stores). 

That’s what we know about for now. Plenty going on in the Wausau area business-wise! 


Got a new business? Don’t stay quiet about it. If your Wausau area business is less than one year old, reach out to [email protected] to be considered for a feature in The Buzz.