Underwriter Profile:

The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery

The Union Grill

Business support is a vital piece of the financial pie that keeps Public Radio 90 on the air.  Quite simply, we would not be here without the support of our many listeners and regional businesses that keep us operating. As space and time allow, we will highlight the people in the Public Radio 90 family that make a difference. The people who give of their time and /or their finances to assure that this station stays on the air.

The profile this month features Terry and Kristi Doyle, owners of The Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery in downtown Marquette and The Union Grill in South Marquette.  Terry & Kristi have been Public Radio 90 underwriters since the day they opened in 1985, one of the station’s longest continuous business underwriters. In the late 1980s, the Vierling was the site for several Public Radio benefit gourmet food and wine evenings known as “A Taste of Excellence.” In collaboration with Mike Ward of Ward Beverage Fine Wines, these events were the perfect venue for Doyle to showcase his culinary skills.

The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery is located in historic Marquette with table views of beautiful Lake Superior.  The building itself is filled with history and memories of what once was.  The property was originally owned by Martin Vierling who opened the Vierling Saloon in 1883. A little over 100 years later, Terry, and his wife Kristi purchased the beautiful structure and reopened the place as the Historic Vierling Saloon and Sample Room, one of Michigan’s very first brew pubs. Almost 21 years later, we can still find them with the same drive, rushing around their busy restaurant.

Terry told Public Radio 90 that the reason he chooses to stay in the hectic restaurant business is because of his 57 amazing employees who keep him energized.  Terry told us he loves working in a university town, particularly Marquette, because the young people “Bring an abundance of vitality and energy.” says Doyle. “They really are what keep me going.”  In fact, students are so passionate about the infamous Blueberry Wheat beer that Terry and Brew Master, Derek “Chumley” Anderson, are increasing the brewing capacity by 60% and adding two fermentors within the next year.

While the Vierling features a more elegant dining experience with whitefish specialties, homemade soups and desserts, and an assortment of fine wines, the Doyle’s newest venture, The Union Grill, has a more outdoor picnic bar-b-q style feel offering a variety of salads and sandwiches made daily with meats smoked and bar-b-qued right on the premises.

The Union Grill opened just over a year ago, but has quickly grown into a Marquette favorite.  And as of May, customers will be able to enjoy a beer or favorite wine with their meal.

When asked why the Doyle’s continue their support of Public Radio 90, after a good laugh, Terry explained that he loves the area we live in and the wonderful people who appreciate Public Radio. He reiterated that his support and underwriting for our station “really brings in the people” which is easy to see by the success of his investments.

Terry and Kristi have a lot on their plates, that’s for sure. Luckily, these two really enjoy their profession. They’re very excited about how Marquette has embraced the new Union Grill.  Public Radio 90 is honored to count Terry and Kristi Doyle among our proud supporters.