The Midway Saloon is a beer and whiskey bar owned and operated by David Tolchiner. He has owned the property since 2019 and as he describes, the concept is “fairly timeless” with 50 different beers and 100 types of whiskey.

COVID-19 Impact

When asked about the business impact created in the wake of COIVD-19, Tolchiner describes it as “elusive” and “extreme.” He was forced to close his doors for almost three months, which resulted in a total loss of revenue. And, while the bar has reopened, the hallmark of a “good night” has evolved from “wall-to-wall people” to a safer experience that Tolchiner says he’s more comfortable providing.

Solution

Tolchiner used the downtime to his advantage, making upgrades that would otherwise be difficult to accomplish. In the spirit of creating an environment where patrons feel safe, the Midway Saloon was professionally sanitized, and the aging bathrooms remodeled. The Saint Paul Port Authority Small Business Loan helped Tolchiner sustain his business despite the shut-down and cover some of the remodeling costs.

An Eye on the Future

As Tolchiner continues to improve the customer experience at the Midway Saloon, he has set his sights on expansion. More specifically, he plans to transform an adjacent lot into a three-season outdoor patio experience with an expanded menu and the opportunity for customers to better spread-out outside.