Listen On …
Curious how someone with no management experience took over a family-owned bar and turned it into a successful restaurant? In this episode of Total Michigan, Cliff DuVernois sits down with Cathy Howell, the owner of The Wicked Sister in Sault Ste. Marie, to discuss her journey from waiting tables to owning a bustling restaurant. Cathy shares the challenges she faced, the strategies she implemented, and the importance of community in her business.
Key topics include:
- Cathy’s background and initial lack of management experience
- The evolution of The Wicked Sister’s menu and the decision to add a kitchen
- The restaurant’s focus on community engagement and developing a loyal local customer base.
Links:
The Wicked Sister Website: https://www.wickedsistersault.com
Or Watch on YouTube:
From Set Design to Restauranteur: The Unscripted Journey of Cathy Howell and the Wicked Sister
In the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, a restaurant pulses with life, laughter, and the clinking of glasses—welcoming locals and travelers alike. Step inside the Wicked Sister, where Cathy Howell’s journey unfolds from theatrical dreams to culinary realities. Her story encapsulates trial by fire, fueled by passion and community spirit.
Humble Beginnings: A Passion Ignited
Cathy grew up surrounded by Sault Ste. Marie’s charm. The simplicity of a large family and her parent’s ties to the community instilled in her a desire to forge her path. Her journey began with teenage shifts at Antlers Restaurant. Captivated by the bustling atmosphere, Cathy fell in love with the restaurant world, craving the thrill of hospitality. Leaving home, she sought more than small-town life. Chicago’s attempt at set design and Baltimore’s lively scene molded her twenties. Yet, her heart led her back to Sault Ste. Marie—to a calling more profound than any stage.
Wicked Sister: A Family Affair
In 2014, Cathy’s grandfather bought the Gin Mill. Her mother and aunts, despite their limited restaurant background, decided to take the leap. Tapped to be their GM, Cathy had management lessons on the go. The Wicked Sister was born—a venture that embraced learning by doing. Success came from the committed team—a camaraderie where everyone pitched in. Cathy recalls, “We just had a lot of people that cared and helped.” The Wicked Sister transformed into a family, driven by shared passion and determination to build something extraordinary.
Crafting an Experience: The Menu and More
The Wicked Sister, once a mere bar, blossomed with its kitchen. Cathy championed this expansion, sensing a stable future relied on more than pub drinks. Initially simple, the menu saw innovation under Chef Kat’s leadership. Familiar comfort foods twisted with unique flavors became the house’s signature, like the famed Construction Dip.
Locals at Heart: The Community Connection
Cathy consciously chose to prioritize locals over fleeting tourist traffic. This decision roots the Wicked Sister in community values, turning regulars into friends and the restaurant into a second home. It’s more than keeping the doors open—it’s about nurturing connections and realizing the hospitality spirit Cathy once dreamt of.
Beyond Hospitality: Giving Back
The Wicked Sister impacts beyond its walls. Cathy highlights events like the Battle of the Breweries, benefiting hospice care—initiatives that reflect the heart and soul of her establishment. Volunteers and locals uniting for causes underscore the community spirit she cherishes.
Savor the Moment: A Culinary Invitation
Guests at Wicked Sister should dive into dishes showcasing local flavors with flair. Cathy recommends indulging in the cheesy greatness of the Construction Dip. For those with adventurous palates, seasonal specials, like the bourbon-laced Bistro Steaks, promise memorable dining moments.
Welcome to the Wicked Sister
Ready for a taste of the Wicked Sister? Visit them online at wickedsisSault.com and explore their vibrant new menu. Cathy’s journey transforms each visit into an experience rooted in community love, culinary delight, and heartfelt hospitality. Come hungry; leave like family.
— This post serves as an invitation—to taste, to connect, and to embrace the Wicked Sister’s essence, inspired by Cathy Howell’s journey of passion turned culinary wonder.
