Our Story
The genesis of Coonan’s Irish Hub finds its roots in the Coonan family’s vibrant Irish lineage, intertwined with a long-standing tradition of running bars and restaurants. As the custodian of fond memories from his grandfather’s bar, Revette’s, Bay City native and proud owner of Coonan’s Irish Hub, Kim Coonan, always dreamed of breathing life into a congenial, family-oriented venue.
“Wilber Revette, my grandfather, was my childhood muse. His personable nature, fervor, and dedication to his bar left an indelible imprint on my young mind,” Coonan reminisces. “Growing up, we would scrub the bar clean during summers and on weekends, earning pocket money. This experience not only instilled in me the essence of running the business but also helped me rekindle the entrepreneurial spirit I inherited from my grandfather.”
For decades, The Hub was a cornerstone of the Johnson Street Business District. So, when it was put up for sale, Kim seized the golden opportunity to rekindle its past glory while creating a welcoming haven for the local community.
Thanks to the rallying support from family and friends, Coonan’s Irish Hub swung open its doors in June of 2011. It quickly made its mark as a local hotspot, winning hearts with its selection of 24 draft craft beers, delectable homemade Guinness Irish Stew, and the indisputable champion of all sandwiches — “Bay City’s Best Reuben.”
Coonan’s has bagged numerous accolades, including the title of Best Neighborhood Bar in Bay County and a spot among the Top 10 Irish Pubs in Michigan. However, for Kim, the real trophy lies in the affectionate feedback from patrons who were yearning for a neighborhood pub where they could unwind and bask in the camaraderie of family and friends.
“Getting to know this incredible community of patrons has been an absolute blessing,” beams Kim about his treasured customer base.