A well-known businessman is retiring this weekend after selling his popular tavern and eatery in the city of Two Rivers.
Tim “Tippy” Tomchek tells Seehafer News he operated Tippy’s Bar & Grill for almost four decades.
“If I had to sum it up in one word, I was a survivor,” he said. “You don’t get rich in this business, but if you can stay long enough and make a living at it, you can survive 37 years.”
Tomcheck, whose last day at work is today, explained he didn’t set out to be a tavern owner after earning his college degree in accounting at UW-Whitewater before getting an office job at Paragon.
Five and a half years later he then learned of “Big Lew’s” being for sale in 1985.
He recalled that “Big Lew happen to be a sponsor of our summer softball teams, and we miniature bowled here, so it was just a good fit.”
We asked Tim what he’ll miss the most.
“Every person that I have ever heard that was in the business for this length of time, the number one they all say they miss is the people,” Tippy said. “The thing they will never miss is the hours…But that’s the nature of the business and especially nowadays with the lack of help.”
Tomchek also spoke about the irony of the new owner coming in, Montana Anderson.
“It’s fortunate that I have a buyer that I know personally, and actually know the family very well personally,” he noted. “I worked real estate part-time for 20 years and her grandmother was my boss…It’s kind of ironic.”
The building itself has some unique history to it, dating back to 1867, two years after the Civil War ended.
Tippy, who turns 65 in May and is awaiting double knee replacement surgery, plans to remain active as President of the Manitowoc County Tavern League.
And, he does hope to work part-time as a bartender.
The closing date for the sale is next Friday, April 7th and four days later, Anderson is expected to reopen the business.
