7 Monks Taproom expanding to Boyne City

Matt Cozzand, left, and Jim Smolak

Story and photo from the Traverse City Record-Eagle: Matt Cozz and and Jim Smolak saddled up for a ride into the unknown in 2011. With little experience in the hospitality field, they opened 7 Monks Taproom at 128 S. Union St. in Traverse City. The first leg of their journey has been a resounding success. The Traverse City location attracts crowds with its lengthy row of craft tap beer and food service including appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and salads.
They're now ready to embark on the second leg of their business journey and plan to open a second taproom in Boyne City.  They began thinking about expansion some time ago.
"We started poking our nose around the state," said Smolak, adding they particularly looked around northwest Lower Michigan. "Boyne City came around and we met the right people."
They were impressed with the attitudes of officials and business owners in the town. They hooked up with Catt Development, of Gaylord. 
Catt is planning a $7.5 million mixed-use development in the 200 block of Lake Street in Boyne City. Full story.