A Passion for Cooking and a Dream Come True

My love for cooking has been a lifelong journey. As a child, I remember watching my mom cook with such care and dedication. Some of my fondest memories are gathered around the dinner table with my family. My mom always told me, “If you can read, you can cook.” That simple encouragement sparked a passion within me for food and the dream of one day owning a restaurant.

In 2017, I purchased a property in Tawas City along US 23. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do with it, so I let it sit for a year. But everything changed after I experienced the best pizza I had ever tasted at a wood-fired brick oven restaurant. I knew then and there that I wanted to build a similar restaurant in Tawas City. And so, after months of hard work and construction, we opened Tawas Bay Pizza Company in the spring of 2019.

From the beginning, I believed that by combining my ideas with the help of a great team, we could create something special. Of course, no new venture is without its challenges, and we certainly faced our share of ups and downs. But I quickly realized that mistakes are our greatest teachers—they allowed us to grow, adapt, and improve. Like many businesses, we navigated the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m proud to say that we not only survived but thrived.

Over the years, Tawas Bay Pizza Company has become a beloved summer destination for visitors and a cherished part of the local community. This past summer, we were honored to be ranked 6th best in class in Michigan and 52nd in the Midwest (out of 18,000 restaurants). I’m humbled by the support we’ve received and the wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the past 7 years.

After 8 incredible years, I have made the decision to step down. I feel that I’ve taken the restaurant as far as I can, and I’m excited to pass the torch to new ownership and management who will take Tawas Bay Pizza Company to even greater heights. In January 2025, I sold the restaurant to a new team who will continue to honor the spirit of the business while introducing exciting new ideas. I’m looking forward to seeing the next chapter unfold, and I’ll be working on my next adventure.

Thank you for your continued patronage and support. It’s been an amazing journey, and I am truly grateful to have been a part of this community.

With gratitude,
Jim Brownell