Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kay Bunge.
Hi Mary Kay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My son and I started a property company called Branmark Properties. Our first purchase was June 5th 2013.
In 2019 my son Brandon was told the owner of The Longhorn Saloon was closing and/or selling the business, including the buildings and liquor license. Along with everything else inside the business.
We originally wanted the buildings because the real estate aspect. Then thought we’d build up the business for anout 10 years and then lease it out.
At that time we thought it’d be a better idea to completely change the name and revamp the bar. After all it had been The Longhorn Saloon since 1959. So being so close to the Polish village, we thought, who doesn’t like polish food. Then the ostrich gave us a logo and we thought we were good to go. We were wrong.
We bought the buildings with the bar still open August 19, 2019 then changed the name September 20, 2019.
Brandon’s ex wife was supposed to be the one running the bar because she had all the experience. It only took about 2 weeks for her to crash out because she had no structure and refused to listen to us as owners, so that was a fail. Then we tried using another person to be a General Manager for a while.
Then on March 15, 2020 the world stopped because of COVID
That’s when we started doing delivery through local online companies as well as takeout to get us through.
We were able to make a lot of repairs to the buildings with Branmark Properties helping out with that.
Moving forward, in November 2020 after having that General Manager we bounced a check to one of our beer distributors. Which wasn’t only embarrassing, but irresponsible of the GM at the time.
Brandon told the GM we needed her to only worry about doing the payroll for a short time. Instead she quit doing everything and actually came in and stole our recipes that were made for The Polish Ostrich.
So once again we were stuck not knowing what to do with anything from the taxes to the inventory.
So slowly Brandon took what he picked up and observed over the 1st year. A lot of do’s and don’ts, but definitely still learning. While he took care of all the bar activity as far as; payroll, inventory, bookings events, hiring/firing, all the drama.. I took care of all the behind the scenes things. Dealing with taxes, liquor control, bills being paid and most the office duties.
After a long 6+ years a lot of trial and error situations, numerous bad employees and some really good ones, we’re happy to say things are and have been running really smoothly since January 2021
Always improving on what’s needed. We preach to our employees about how important it is for the best quality and consistency of everything from the food in the kitchen and the alcohol behind the bar to the bathrooms and parking lot
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh no definitely not
-COVID
-Going through the 2 managers
-A manager doing such poor money management we bounced a check.
-We’ve gone through quite a few bartenders cooks and security over the years for a variety of reasons — everything from stealing to some pretty wild situations.
-A couple unfair COVID violations
-Health Department making us do costly things that were pre-existing
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I retired in 2022 from Warranty administrator for GM and CDJR dealers.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My son Brandon is the one who’s helped make all this happen. He’s been there to deal with everything good or bad. He’s the real brains behind a lot of this and wouldn’t be possible without him.
Pricing:
- Half off apps on Mondays
- Tuesday and Thursday are $2 tacos $margaritas and half off Pizza
- Wednesdays are BOGO Burger FREE
- Fridays Buy any entrée get free upgrade on fries
- Sundays are Jumbo Wings Only $1 each
Contact Info:
- Instagram: The Polish Ostrich
- Facebook: The Polish Ostrich
