Thu. August 15, 2013
By Greg R. Baird
Longtime Cadillac resident, Lonnie Burkett and partner David Artt looked around to open up a bar where it would be a comfortable setting for people to meet & greet, inclusive of the entire community and offer a safe place to be yourself. What they found in their search for a place was the Northwood Hotel, built on the site of the former Mckinnon House which was considered one of the most advanced and luxurious hotels in the country at the time. They purchased the old hotel and the Escape Bar & Grill and the Escape Underground was born!
At first, they really didn't have the intention of opening up a gay establishment in conservative Cadillac, MI. After some discussion, they thought having an inclusive space for all would be perfect for people to meet. There are no video screens in the bar to stare at, but just a great atmosphere for good music, drinks, food and socializing. Lonnie laughed as he told me some folks in the town thought when they opened the bar were going to paint the building pink with a big rainbow out front. That would be a lot of paint!
Get away to beautiful Northern Michigan and stop by Escape Bar & Grill and Escape Underground. They can be found on Facebook and at their website at www.escapecadillac.com.
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