If you've ever been to The Cottage Bar or One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom in downtown Grand Rapids, chances are you've been welcomed by owner Dan Verhil and his friendly smile. He and his wife Lisa are almost legends around here for their active and charitable involvement in the community. And now, for the second time, the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is awarding Verhil as the Michigan Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year.
Yes, that's right -- Verhil won this prestigious award, which was created by the National Restaurant Association, in 2007 as well. The Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year Award honors restaurant owners who go "above and beyond in community service and aim to inspire other restaurateurs to get or stay involved in their local communities."
Each state selects a Cornerstone Humanitarian to represent it at the annual National Restaurant Association's Public Affairs Conference in Washington, DC., held this year April 17-18. A grand prize winner is then chosen and that restaurant owner will receive $5,000.
Along with the Humanitarian award, each state also awards a restaurant for its charitable contributions. This year's Michigan Restaurant Neighbor Award recipient is Buddy's Pizza in Farmington Hills and they, too, have a chance to win a $5,000 grand prize.
Verhil was chosen because of the auction items and food he regularly donates to fundraisers and events in the community, and for The Cottage Bar's annual Chili Cook-off -- a 32-year tradition that has raised more than $145,000 for Gilda's Club.
Until recently, Verhil partnered with WYCE for its Monday Night Hat Trick Concert Series, which happened in the fall, winter, and spring at One Trick Pony. During each week's concert, Verhil "passed the hat" and forwarded the donations to more than 90 local charities in the community, with contributions totaling $75,000 in the last 12 years.
After WYCE decided to end the series, Verhil and longtime friend Ralston Bowles began a new partnership with the Earthwork Music Collective. Starting on April 8, they will be hosting Monday night concerts once more every other week through May. This new series, which will begin again in the fall, will feature a variety of mid-Michigan acts and funds collected will go toward charity as before.
The Cottage Bar, which opened in 1927, is the oldest bar in Grand Rapids, and it has been owned by the Verhil family for 46 years. Verhil purchased it from his father John in 1980 and began the annual Chili Cook-off shortly afterward. In 1995, he also opened the One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom next door and that building has a rich history as well as -- it is oldest continually occupied building in Grand Rapids.
When asked what he would do with the $5,000 Cornerstone Humanitarian grand prize if he won, Verhil says he will "use it to continue to support nonprofits."
Verhil believes that "if you're fairly successful, you need to give back," and that's why he donates to so many charities in West Michigan. He also credits the many altruistic people in the community who inspire him to give.
"Philanthropy in this area is contagious," Verhil says, "and I want to help as many nonprofits as I can."
Grand Rapids needs more business owners like Dan Verhil. Please support him by visiting The Cottage Bar and One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom when you dine out.
- For more information about the new Earthwork Music Collective Monday Night Live Series at One Trick Pony, including the upcoming schedule, see John Sinkevics' piece on his
Spins on Music website.
Source: Dan Verhil, Owner of the The Cottage Bar and One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom.
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor
Images provided by Dan Verhil.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.