Art’s Tavern Owners Having The Time of Their Life
Paul and Barbara Olson, new owners of Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor, share a business goal that speaks volumes for the prior owners: to change as little as possible.
“People love this place,” said Paul Olson. “It’s like owning the ‘Cheers’ of Leelanau County. Our mission is to sustain and safeguard this wonderful place in keeping with its history, continuing to provide the experience and service that people expect.”
Having completed their purchase on June 2, 2025, the Olson’s brought decades of rich experience to this iconic Tavern and it’s near 100-year track record as one of Michigan’s top gathering places for hospitality.
Barbara and Paul Olson behind the bar on June 2nd, the day they got the keys to Art’s Tavern — Famous burgers, smelt, cole slaw and even breakfast fare; Art’s Tavern has a tried-and-true menu that keeps regulars and visitors happy and full!
State Savings Bank, the primary lender to the new owners, invited Venture North to participate in the loan. As a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Venture North frequently has a key partnership role in financing because it has greater flexibility than a conventional bank. For example, Venture North often does not require a first position on pledged assets for collateral to secure repayment of a loan. It also can give more significance in lending decisions to the character and experience of the business owners and the importance of the business to the local economy.
“Art’s has had a longstanding leadership role in the community and region,” said Venture North lending specialist Steve Brower. “They have thousands of faithful customers, are one of the largest employers in the area and their financial projections were strong, conservative and fully supportive of their acquisition of the business. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with State Savings Bank, especially since Paul and Barbara bring amazing backgrounds to support success.”
Paul’s expansive past includes graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York, serving as Sous Chef for La Boheme and the Broadway Grill in New York City and being Executive Chef and Managing Partner of the Mission Restaurant Group in Grand Rapids. Barbara’s marketing and sales experience includes positions with Kraft Foods and Pepsi as well as with MTV and Comedy Central.
The Olson’s also brought a deep affinity for the Tavern and community to their ownership.
Then and Now! — Left: Paul posed with their first customer, Gwen, arriving to pick up her order of chicken jalapeño soup! — Right: A friendly group of folks make for a busy Sunday this past weekend!
“We were frequent Glen Arbor visitors over the years that encompassed some of the most important milestones of our lives,” says Olson. “I first dined at Art’s 39 years ago in 1991 when I also met owner Tim Barr. I proposed marriage to Barbara in Glen Arbor in 1992. While in Glen Arbor, our path led to Art’s at least five nights weekly. Our life, Art’s and the community became inseparable. It is a joyful, up-north tradition.”
“We are having the time of our life,” he says. “We have talented, devoted employees and wonderful customers that are dear friends. We have worked our entire lives for this opportunity.”
That opportunity is ensuring that thousands who make Art’s a tradition are enjoying the same experience they’ve come to cherish, including being “known for our burgers and big personality.”
Their breakfast and lunch/dinner menu reflects decades of tradition and customer satisfaction.
Like Art’s Famous Bloody Mary, eggs any style with breakfast meats, as well as pancake, waffle and French toast options. And lunch/dinner choices like ½ or 1 lb. of “famous smelt” burgers with all of the fixins’ and sandwiches ranging from grilled cheese to BBQ Pork, grilled whitefish and a dizzying array of salads and soups, including clam chowder on Fridays.
Local suppliers include Carlson’s Fishery, Big Stone Fishery, Moomers Ice Cream, Northwoods Soda and Bay Bread.
“Our formula is straightforward: keep recipes simple and the food good,” says Olson.
At the top of the Olson’s checklist is supporting and retaining their workforce, including compensation with 401-K retirement benefits and cheerleading for local housing to support employee needs.
“We’re fortunate to have creative businesses and homeowners in the area who piece together housing opportunities,” Olson said. “We encourage developers and nonprofits to work together to ensure we have a framework for housing our workforce that is second to none. We are counting on that. The need is now.”
Olson places importance on simply being at work, accessible to all and shaking hands and welcoming customers – old and new. “I love every bit of it,” he says. “I have no need to look anywhere else.”
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Contact: Tim Ervin - Ph: 231-794-0089 - Email: timervinassoc@gmail.com
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