CLAWSON, Mich. – The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been hard on restaurants -- but imagine trying to get a restaurant off the ground during the pandemic.
It’s been a longer journey than expected for a new restaurant in Clawson called Pumachug. The owners thought the biggest obstacle would be explaining the significance of its name.
The biggest hurdle ended up being how to open a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic.
“It’s been quite a journey,” owner Tyler Williams said.
Tyler and Andrea Williams took a leap nine months ago by not just leasing the corner property on 14 Mile and Main in Clawson, but expanding it for their vision of a restaurant.
It was tough enough to do a massive remodel while keeping their career day jobs and then two months later COVID-19 hit. There’s still some final touches needed, but they’re finally getting a glimpse of their hard work.
“It’s been a lot like our wedding day ... Making sure everything is just right,” Andrea Williams said.
In addition to surveying the community for input on the menu, the owners made a point to build some Clawson history into the place.
They plan on opening the store next week, possibly on Wednesday.
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