Younger’s Irish Tavern in Romeo: Taking pride in the community
Owner Glenn Wilhelm with members of the Younger’s Irish Tavern. PHOTO/CALYN SHARP
Looking for a place to have great food and a good time? OU News Bureau reporters have visited some distinctive eateries in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties to learn more about what these places have to offer. Reporter Calyn Sharp visited Younger’s Irish Tavern in Romeo, which opened five years ago, and talked with owner Glenn Wilhelm.
Tell me about the history of this place.
Younger’s is actually my mother’s maiden name. Her great-great grandfather opened an Irish Tavern in Ireland. It ran for three generations and was eventually bought out by New Castle, which is a larger chain of taverns. I decided to open Younger’s here in Romeo because of how strong the local community was. It’s amazing how people here know their neighbors, and I thought it would be a great place to carry on the family tradition of owning a tavern.
Younger’s Tartan Special Ale still is brewed in Ireland but is not available for sale in the United States. A few cans are on display at the restaurant. PHOTO/CALYN SHARP
Describe what it offers patrons.
I think the market in Romeo is great. Romeo wants to have a small town feel, even though it is not really a small town. Younger’s being gives the town the small town feel that it is looking for. This tavern gives the local community a place to have as a gathering place after events that take place in the community. Locals know there is always good food and a great atmosphere. We take pride in being a part of the Romeo community. That’s why we have news clippings and photos of the history Romeo around the tavern.
Why would someone want to come here?
We have a high quality menu, attention to detail, personable staff and great entertainment. We have tribute shows, live bands, comedy shows, something for everyone, really. Most of the shows sell out.
What do you do that’s different from other places like this?
Younger’s is different because there are not many other places in the area that offer the entertainment that we do. We wanted to give patrons a sort of one-stop night out, with dining downstairs and entertainment on the second floor. During the summer we have the patios open outside and it’s a great atmosphere that people can enjoy without having to drive all over town.
What’s the one thing everyone should order here?
The sweet potato fries. They are something most people haven’t tried before. They are my personal favorite, so I would recommend those to anyone.
How many people work here?
Anywhere from 40-45 people work here. It depends on the season and how busy we are. For example, our busiest day is, hands down, St. Patrick’s Day. We serve close to 3,500 people in about 14 hours. Our busiest week is during the Peach Festival over Labor Day weekend. So during the busier times we have more people working to guarantee the highest quality of service.
Alex Bremerkamp
What does the future hold for this place?
I think, I hope Younger’s will be around for a long time. We, as a company, feel as though we are already a part of the community here. I hope Younger’s grows, that it does become more of a “go to” place in the community. We have great food and great service.
Customer Alex Bremerkamp of Romeo talks about why she is a fan of the tavern.
“Younger’s is a great place. They have awesome food, they have great entertainment and it’s a local place, so its a great place for everyone to meet up when we are all home from school.”
Younger’s Irish Tavern is at 120 S. Main Street in Romeo. (586) 752-4400 http://www.youngerstavern.com
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