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Frick’s Sports Bar is getting a facelift.
Construction is underway and co-owners Jeff Rekeweg and Kurt Busard have big plans for the business.
Rekeweg is the executive director of the Greater Midland Tennis Center and a former Northwood University head men’s basketball coach. Busard recently worked for Downtown Restaurant Investments.
Frick’s has been a staple in Midland since 1955, but closed its doors in 2020. The business was originally owned by Francis “Frick” and Alta Smith, who ran it with their daughter, Laura Zywicki. The restaurant eventually was sold to Rekeweg and Busard, who for the past few months have been working to update and renovate the building.
“Getting a Midland landmark open again is exciting – and honoring the Smith family who have owned it for so many years,” Rekeweg said, adding he has received comments from locals and Northwood University alumni about memories made at Frick’s.
“We’re eager to be finished and we’re ready to get it open,” Busard stated. “It shouldn’t be too much longer.”
No date has been set for Frick’s reopening.
Some major changes have already taken place around the building. Busard and Rekeweg noticed the façade needed a new coat of paint and changed the color from brown to blue with a white trim. Inside, the plaid carpeting has been replaced with new wood floors. Rekeweg stated that there are plans to “honor the plaid carpet” in a new way.
This week, a crew from Three Rivers Corporation continues to finalize renovations to the kitchen and interior along with brand-new bathrooms.
“The building itself hadn’t been touched or renovated since 1987,” Busard said.
Changes will continue throughout the rest of the business, including a new logo and outdoor sign. Busard commented that the menu will be revamped to feature traditional bar food – burgers, nachos, wings and fries.
The favorite Frick’s burger will return.
“We’ll be focused on burgers and bar food,” Busard said.
Busard believes that Midland is missing entertainment venues and hopes Frick’s can fill that need. The bar will retain most of its pool tables while adding a dance area and family-friendly game stations.
“We want to have room for dancing and live music,” Rekeweg said.
“I’m most excited to bring back a local staple to Midland,” Busard said. “It’s Frick’s, but not the Frick’s of old.”