Hammerin’ Hank’s to Hold Grand Opening Event

By Megan Barron

Cleaver Guest Writer

FARWELL – The highly anticipated Hammerin’ Hank’s bar in Farwell made its soft opening debut just before St. Patrick’s Day on March 15. With fun themed shamrock shots and live bagpipes, patrons got a feel for all the fun events and celebrations to come at this newly renovated garage themed bar.

The journey to opening has been a labor of love for Meagan and Derek McComber. Their heart and passion are evident the moment you step foot inside their immaculate business. I can’t help but anticipate the smell of hops in the air and a slight stick on the bottom of my shoe from spilt beer anytime I enter a bar, but that was nonexistent as I was greeted with smiles and sunlight pouring in through the front windows. The bartender was friendly and offered me a seat, and customers amicably sparked up conversation. The entirety of the space was refreshingly clean, and I didn’t feel the need to shop for a place to sit.

The business front, facing Main Street, is adorned with road signs to enhance the fun garage themed décor inside and felt like the perfect place to connect and socialize with friends or end a sunny day at the lake.

“I wanted it to just feel like you were sitting in your buddy’s garage having a beer,” Meagan McComber noted as she described their vision.

From ceiling to floor the entire interior of the bar is fresh and new. Even the tables were hand built and have a beautiful, fresh polish and shine that is inviting. The walls are decorated with fun mirrors and signs with pool tables, dart boards, and even a claw machine situated in the back. It hosts a very friendly vibe, and I felt like I was at a neighborhood hangout where everybody knew one another.

“I want it to be fun and memorable and clean. For people to be like ‘hey, you remember that bar we went to at the lake?’ or ‘remember that place with all that stuff on the walls?’ Just a fun, nice place for a group of friends to come in, or even for a family,” Meagan McComber described the welcoming environment they have strived to create.

Hammerin’ Hank’s is currently home to 16 employees. Meagan and Derek McComber described them as fun, energetic, and easy to have a conversation with. The duo reiterated that a safe environment for their staff and clientele is of the utmost importance to them.

“We are big on a safe environment here for our employees and for everyone,” Derek McComber said.

“We want it to be the best and most fun place they have ever worked.” Meagan McComber followed up.

They have rolled out a delicious panini menu that is now available. Their signature sandwich, The Hot Girl, is a mouthwatering compilation of prosciutto, mozzarella, pepper jam, arugula, and pickled red onions on a baguette and sure to hit the spot. They have a fun car themed drink menu they will be rolling out in the near future, and have already begun offering their signature drink, Hank’s Hammerin’ Hawaiian Punch.

The bar name possesses great sentiment for the two owners, and is named after Hank, their dog. Hank is a Cavapoo (King Charles Cavalier and Toy Poodle mix) and happens to be the bar mascot. The name ‘Hank’ holds historical significance within each of their families as well. It is part of Derek’s father’s last name, Hankins, and Meagan’s grandfather frequented a bar named Hammerin’ Hank’s in Cheboygan that became a fond familial hangout with many deep-rooted memories of nostalgia. That original location has since closed and been torn down.

“It was his favorite bar. Cheboygan is where they had their boat, and we spent most weekends of our summers up there – lots of family and friends. The owner and some patrons of the original Hammerin’ Hank’s will be at our grand opening for us,” Meagan McComber relayed.

Hammerin’ Hank’s grand opening is scheduled for April 6 beginning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. There will be live music with Morgan Phenix performing at 3 p.m. and then Justin Judge at 7 p.m. Big R’s Hogs and Dogs are a sponsor of the bar and will be serving food at the grand opening event.

There are plans in the works for regular events and themed days such as bike nights, live music, and for the lumberjack festival. Keep an eye out for updates and information on forthcoming events posted either on their Facebook page or via their website: hammerinhanks.com.