Connor Brown has reopened the Mail Pouch Saloon in Haskins. The centerpieces of the new restaurant are a fantastic Reuben sandwich and the delicious chicken chunks, Brown said. Other items that set the Haskins restaurant apart from their competitors are the variety of their cocktails and the 25 draft beers it offers. (supplied photo)
By Sentinel-Tribune Staff
HASKINS — A relaxing, small-town casual dining experience has returned to the village.
The Mail Pouch Saloon recently reopened at 102 W. Main St., near the post office and fire station. It is now under new ownership.
Connor Brown, one of three managing partners of the restaurant, is a central figure for the re-established eatery. He said he puts in 75 to 80 hours each week to keep things running smoothly.
“I love it,” Brown said of his laborious new gig. “It can be challenging some days, but I’m having a great time. I love serving such good food and drinks to our customers.”
Brown, 35, spent the last decade in Denver, working in bars and playing music.
“I came home one day and decided to reevaluate my life. My dad and his friend told me about this place, and that’s how it all happened,” Brown said of circumstances that led up to the decision to reopen the closed establishment.
His father, Jerry Brown, and his father’s friend, Gareth Jones, became partners to make it all happen.
The elder Brown has a background in marketing, and Jones has restaurant business experience.
The new owners lease the building from the previous owner. They share a menu and the restaurant’s name with a similar establishment in Swanton.
“We are our own business,” Brown said.
Brown explained that COVID and a lack of staff were the primary reasons for the closure of the previous business.
“We have hired staff and made some menu changes that allows us to provide a faster pace and a different energy. We think we have a better product, too.”
The centerpieces of the new restaurant are a fantastic Reuben sandwich and the delicious chicken chunks, Brown said. Other items that set the Haskins restaurant apart from their competitors are the variety of their cocktails and the 25 draft beers it offers.
“It’s tough keeping that many brands on draft,” Brown said of offering that many beers, adding he feels it is important to be able to provide a wide variety of customers who have different likes and tastes.
The menu also includes chicken, steaks, ribs, pasta and seafood dinners, as well as a wide variety of sandwiches. Those sandwiches include their famous half-pound Angus burgers, turkey, pulled pork, lake perch and club sandwiches.
Side dishes include traditional items such as baked potatoes, French fries, corn, baked beans, cole slaw, southern green beans and broccoli. There are also a variety of salads, macaroni and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts and onion petals. Order a side of garlic pasta or a side of Alfredo.
Future plans, Brown saId, include the addition of live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Hours at Mail Pouch Saloon are 4-10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Thursdays; 11 a.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays. The business is closed on Mondays.
Carryout orders may be placed by calling the restaurant at 419-345-4403.
