A long-popular Manitowoc dining establishment is up for sale. Pat Ryan is the owner of the Elbow Room at 702 Buffalo Street.
Seehafer News spoke with Ryan this week and he told us after working for over 50-years it’s time to step back and relax.
“It comes down to one thing basically. I just turned 65 a couple of weeks ago and it’s time for me to retire. There’s no other real reason…business has been good, it’s been profitable the last year after covid.”
Ryan has owned the Elbow Room for 3.5 years and he’s starting to see a turnaround, adding property values in town have been going up. So, “it’s a good time to sell.” While he awaits a buyer, Pat said he will stay open.
“Definitely, it’s business as usual until I find a buyer and who knows how long that will take. So, I’ve informed all my employees and they’ve all elected to stay on and work with me.”
Ryan explained that he’d “love to have the new owner keep it the same way it has been over the past 60-plus years”, adding this:
“It’s been a staple in Manitowoc, people know the Elbow Room by name. It’s very well known in the neighborhood, so I’d love to keep it as a steak joint. I’m looking for a buyer that would keep it that way.”
When reflecting on the past year and a half, the Valders native said the Covid-19 pandemic was difficult, initially, but he applied and received government loans to survive the rough stretch. And, he’s also seen a demographic change in his customers.
“I usually had an older crowd which is fine and had some young (diners). During covid, some young people came out to experiment at different places and enjoyed the meals and the company here. So after covid, regulars, older and younger people are coming to the Elbow Room now.”
If a buyer steps forward, Ryan says “he’s ready to retire and move on to the next chapter in his life.”
