Article by: Wil Roy and Meg Lewton | Interim Reporter and Lifestyles Editor
Students need not travel far for decent dining — there are many local businesses in Big Rapids that have earned big reputations for big-time eats.
Jennifer Rumsey and her husband have owned Schuberg’s Bar and Grill for about six years. Schuberg’s has technically been around since 1933, but the restaurant has seen multiple ownerships and name changes. Schuberg’s is a mom and pop style restaurant with 18 staff members.
Their prices are low enough for students to afford, but also high enough to earn enough profit to ensure its place in Big Rapids for years to come. Their menu is regionally famous for its 24 unique burgers.
Schuberg’s is not your typical corporate business; it is a cozy environment and the staff focuses on building first name relations with their customers. In addition, Rumsey is dabbling with the possibility of loyalty cards for their frequent customers.
Cranker’s has been in the Big Rapids area for 14 years, but the brewery and bar side has only operated for about seven years. The brewpub was an ambitious attempt to appeal more to locals and students equally.
Themed nights also draw in customers. Trivia Night is 7 p.m. on Mondays, and Karaoke Night is 8 p.m every Thursday.
Cranker’s has a Mugg Club membership for students during the school year. It costs $25 for a year and provides students discounts on beer. Cranker’s frequently posts their deals on their Facebook page.
Kilwins has been owned by Carlleen Rose and her husband for 31 years. The confectionery has been around for about 50 years.
“I love chocolate so much that I had to buy this place,” Rose said.
The front of the store contains fresh desserts, while the back of the store contains Michigan-based merchandise.
Kilwins follows the Band of Locals discount. It is $10 for life and it offers customers a discount to most businesses in the Big Rapids area. It is one way for students to get to know the local area and the businesses that make up the town.
Carlleen also loves doing fundraisers for Ferris campus organizations. She prides herself on being the “mom away from home,” not only for her employees, but also for the students who frequent the shop.
Schuberg’s, Cranker’s and Kilwins are just three of the many local businesses Big Rapids offers. Many of these local businesses offer distinctive, cozy environments as well as discounts.
