Today we’d like to introduce you to Britt Zieroth and Cassidy Gecas.
Hi Britt and Cassidy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello, we are Cassidy and Britt! In 2022, we purchased the historic Harbor Light, the Wunder Bar. Harbor Light opened in Grand Marais back in 1930. After having it land in our lap, we added the name Up Yonder at Harbor Light as we wanted to keep the original name because it has been such a staple to the Cook County community. We then spent the next year remodeling. We started with the hopes of opening up the space and adding more of a “flow” throughout the building; we took out a drop ceiling and two main walls, put in new flooring, added a little paint and wallpaper, fixed the front entrance on the building, and surrounding the yard with a fence and outdoor stage for more privacy with the highway being so close. Like any remodel, there were setbacks.
We were finding clogged leaking pipes, having to put up large supporting beams & pouring concrete supports under what is now the main dance floor. Jason Hoffker was our contractor who was just amazing to work with; along with the help from many friends, our vision wouldn’t have been able to come to life! This brings us to our opening day, December 2nd, 2023! We were hosting the Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Kickoff party, and man, was it down to the wire! We had community members, beer distributors, and friends helping put up the last main beam in the dance floor area 5 minutes before the doors were supposed to open to the public. Thankfully, everything went great, but all hands were on deck! It was still one of our busiest nights; you could barely turn around, let alone find a spot to sit. Since then, we’ve hosted weddings, celebrations of life, chamber of commerce gatherings, empty bowls, a holiday market, Katieoke & Music Events, and the Fall Gala, which was able to be hosted in Grand Marais for the first time! In the summer, Electric Trails E-Bike company sets up a pop-up location for Grand Marais in our parking lot, which is an excellent way to get around town for the day that Tim & Emma Saetre operate, which are also wonderful people. It’s truly just been a surreal year for Up Yonder, with an overwhelming amount of love & support from the community. Looking forward, we are in the works to push outdoor activities as we all cherish our summers in Minnesota. We hope to host a Music festival, a summer market, outdoor movie nights, cookouts, and maybe even a little volleyball if we can get a sand court dug this spring!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The remodeling process and staffing always seem somewhat of a struggle in Grand Marais as it’s a pretty seasonal town. We did our best, and in the summer, we have campers that the staff can live in, but hopefully, someday, we will be able to build more of a year-round solution.
As you know, we’re big fans of Up Yonder at Harbor Light. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
We are your typical local bar with some North Shore charm that loves hosting music, markets, events/gatherings.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
- Jason Hoffker- main contractor
- Juani & Stevie- owner of Patagonia Cabins
- Parker & Katie Slanga- owner of Fisherman’s Daughter
- Casey Peterson- community member & friend
- Malorie Brazell & Lida Jurek- visit Cook County
- Abby Randt- employee & friend
- Every single one of our staff!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://upyonderon61.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/up.yonder.at.harborlight?igsh=M2hmZ2liZzVudnli
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/8Rmgvbr9kfPgF7i3/?mibextid=WC7FNe
