New Owner Takes Over Legendary 'Getaway Cubbie Grille' in Bridgman

Mike McCrery aims to build on 70-year history of the sports bar and restaurant with fresh food, local ingredients, and a continued Cubs theme.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:37am

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After nearly three decades working his way up from 'fry guy' to executive chef at a renowned local fine dining establishment, Mike McCrery has taken over ownership of the legendary 'Getaway Cubbie Bar & Grille' in Bridgman, Michigan. McCrery plans to build on the 70-year history of the sports bar and restaurant by focusing on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, an expanded menu, and a continued commitment to the Chicago Cubs theme that has been a cornerstone of the Getaway for decades.

Why it matters

The Getaway Cubbie Grille has been a beloved community institution in Bridgman for generations, but has faced challenges in recent years. McCrery's takeover represents an opportunity to revitalize the restaurant and sports bar, keeping its classic Cubs-themed identity while modernizing the menu and operations to appeal to a new generation of customers.

The details

McCrery, who previously served as executive chef at the nearby Tosi's restaurant for 9 years, has been working on overhauling the Getaway's menu over the past month. He plans to feature more fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including steaks from a nearby meat market and fresh fish flown in from Chicago. The new menu will still highlight the Getaway's famous burgers, but will also feature other comfort food classics as well as some new specialty items. McCrery is also planning to expand the outdoor seating area and potentially add live music on weekends.

  • Mike McCrery took over ownership of the Getaway Cubbie Grille last week.
  • The Getaway is hosting a Grand Opening Celebration this Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Mike McCrery

The new owner of the Getaway Cubbie Grille, who previously worked as the executive chef at the nearby Tosi's restaurant for 9 years. McCrery started out as a 'fry guy' in Tosi's kitchen 28 years ago and is now looking to put his experience and expertise to work in revitalizing the legendary Bridgman sports bar and restaurant.

Getaway Cubbie Grille

A 70-year-old sports bar and restaurant in Bridgman, Michigan that is known for its Chicago Cubs-themed menu and atmosphere.

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What they’re saying

“We're still basing everything on the Cubs. We've got nicknamed Cubs on the menu with different items and everything's got to play into the baseball theme. But the most important point is we're back to running fresh food, not all frozen stuff. I even put fresh fish on the menu again so people can come and enjoy!”

— Mike McCrery, New Owner

“I've been working on the new menu over the past month, putting things together, talking with different vendors, getting specific things lined up. For instance, I put a T -bone back on the menu. The T -bone I'm getting from Fred's Meat Market in Coloma. They're cutting steaks for me to start. We'll certainly look at other great local meat markets, too. We'll always try to buy locally.”

— Mike McCrery, New Owner

What’s next

McCrery plans to continue fine-tuning the Getaway's menu in the coming weeks, including exploring new menu items and ideas through food shows and test kitchens. He also intends to expand the outdoor seating area this summer and potentially add live music on weekends.

The takeaway

The Getaway Cubbie Grille's new ownership represents an opportunity to revitalize a beloved community institution in Bridgman, Michigan. By focusing on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, an expanded menu, and a continued commitment to the restaurant's Cubs-themed identity, Mike McCrery aims to build on the Getaway's 70-year history and make it the premier family-friendly sports bar and comfort food destination in the area.