Curious how someone with no management experience took over a family-owned bar and turned it into a successful restaurant? In this episode of Total Michigan, Cliff DuVernois sits down with Cathy Howell, the owner of The Wicked Sister in Sault Ste. Marie, to discuss her journey from waiting tables to owning a bustling restaurant. Cathy shares the challenges she faced, the strategies she implemented, and the importance of community in her business.

Key topics include:

• Cathy's background and initial lack of management experience
• The evolution of The Wicked Sister's menu and the decision to add a kitchen
• The restaurant's focus on community engagement and developing a loyal local customer base.

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Show Notes:

00:00 Starting with No Experience

00:23 Welcome to Total Michigan

00:50 Meet Cathy Howell

00:59 Cathy's Early Life and Career

02:19 Falling in Love with the Restaurant Business

03:06 The Birth of the Wicked Sister

04:42 Building a Successful Restaurant

06:58 Creating a Unique Menu

12:39 Hiring a Chef and Growing the Business

18:39 Focusing on Local Customers

20:36 Community Involvement and Events

23:09 Signature Dishes and Final Thoughts