50 Years: A Staple of Mt. Pleasant’s Night Life
Q and A: John Hunter provides a first look at what made Wayside what it is today.
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by Samantha Hall
For generations of Central Michigan students, Wayside has been a rite of passage. For 50 years, countless students have created memories, retold stories, and passed down traditions. Not only do alumni return for the Homecoming game, but to relive their college days at Wayside. For the Mount Pleasant community, Wayside has become a staple for entertainment and community spirit, hosting charity events, local celebrations, and business gatherings. John Hunter, the co-owner of the Hunters Brands, shares some nostalgic memories about the founding and journey of Wayside Central.
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*SPONSORED CONTENTFor generations of Central Michigan students, Wayside has been a rite of passage. For 50 years, countless students have created memories, retold stories, and passed down traditions. Not only do alumni return for the Homecoming game, but to relive their college days at Wayside. For the Mount Pleasant community, Wayside has become a staple for entertainment and community spirit, hosting charity events, local celebrations, and business gatherings. John Hunter, the co-owner of the Hunters Brands, shares some nostalgic memories about the founding and journey of Wayside Central.
I can’t emphasize enough that the reason why The Wayside has been successful is because of the university, the community, Mt. Pleasant, and our previous, current, and past employees, and the customers, which are a combination of CMU students and those from surrounding areas. It’s a celebration for our 50 years, but it’s also us thanking them for being such great customers, patrons, and community members. We’re very thankful, and we’re very lucky too. When my dad bought this bar in 1975, he came here with a dream to open a bar and he didn’t have much, and when he passed away, everyone looked back at the accomplishments and it was quite amazing what he was able to do with owning a college bar and all that’s because the people of Mt. Pleasant and his employees trusted his business and the rest is history.
What are some memories you hold dear about Hunters, such as your dad or other history?
Some of the favorite things I can remember over the years are just different customers and employees that come and go, and the camaraderie, and being part of the Chippewas and being part of these bars is really what stands out for me. Being around Homecoming, all that nostalgia comes back when people you haven’t seen in five years walk through the door, and boom, you remember who they are.
What is your favorite part about being a co-owner of Hunter Brands?
My favorite part of owning the bar is that it’s a hard occupation, and it’s time-consuming. You must be present to make it successful, but at the same time, I think that’s what makes it fun. You’re surrounded by family and friends, and you’re involved in celebrations. You're also teaching employees and people who come here, who eventually go on to achieve greater things in life. The number of Wayside employees who have worked for us that have gone on to have amazing careers, whether it’s teaching or coaching, or owning their own business, is remarkable.
Could you tell me about the 50th anniversary celebration?
The party will be at 5:00 pm on Friday, where the Chamber of Commerce will do a ribbon cutting at 4:30. From 5 to 10, we’re giving away free t-shirts that say, “Party Like It’s 1975” and with the old logos. We’re bringing in a band called “On the Fly”and they’ll be playing 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s music. We’ll be serving cocktails that were popular 50 years ago, such as The Blue Motorcycle and the Bell Ringer. We’ll be having a lot of people coming back from all the different decades, alumni and employees alike. Alumni who were DJs 50 years ago for The Wayside are coming back with the help of the Alumni Association. It’s free to the public, but there will be a donation spot for the Student Pantry. We’re expecting a lot of community members as opposed to students who come later.
I can’t emphasize the number of people who have come through those doors that have met each other, and there are lots of people coming to this party who have reached out to me via social media, and they’re like, “We’re definitely coming. I met my husband there 37 years ago, and we have two kids.” There are a lot of fond memories, and for a nightclub that’s challenging. I feel like, for the most part, it’s been a nostalgic past month in anticipation of this 50th anniversary.
Could you tell me how Mt. Pleasant and CMU have changed over the years?
Mt. Pleasant’s been ever-changing. There’s been a lot of growth since 75. Wayside was a far-out place to get to, and now it feels like we’re right in the middle of things. So, the town has definitely grown and changed throughout the past 50 years, and it still feels like our connection to the students is just as vibrant as it’s always been. Most of our employees go to Central, and when they graduate, it’s always a sad time and a happy time, and I think they think back fondly of the times spent working for us and being a part of Hunter Brands.
Do you have any additional comments and sentiments to share?
Our employees are our backbone for why we’ve had success; that’s one thing I can point back to. Wayside is what started it all. We wouldn’t have anything if it weren’t for this business. It was our first business and still our most successful one.
We also appreciate our relationship with CM-Life for the past 50 years... since day one. There aren’t a lot of partnerships that can say they’ve lasted that long together. I remember CM Life recently had their 100-year celebration, and Wayside was honored at it because we’re one of their oldest business partners, with only a couple of others in town.
