Harley’s Pub and Perk - A Cornerstone of Downtown Mildmay

Harley’s Pub and Perk has been a fixture on Mildmay’s main street since it opened in 2004, but the building, which is the former Commercial Hotel, has been a local gathering place since it opened its doors in 1872 at the corner of Elora and Absalom streets. Running the Pub and Perk in a building with a rich history adds to the charm of the small-town pub, coffee shop and catering business says owner and operator Nikk Wise.

The building has been a part of the business ecosystem in Mildmay for over a century. Wise details that she named the business Harley’s after her Uncle Harley Schmalz who was frequently working behind the bar with her Grandfather Chucks Schmalz. Wise mentions how pictures of Harley and memorabilia of cherished memories decorating the business’ interior demonstrates the character and welcoming atmosphere of the business.

Wise emphasizes the drive to continue serving traditionally made food at Harley’s to ensure the degree of quality and capture the feeling of home-cooking. Jams, mayonnaise, salad dressing, soup, and their renowned butter tarts are just a few examples Wise lists, of food made from scratch, in house.

Harley’s offers catering services on top of its thriving restaurant and take-out business model.

“On average I do about 42 weddings a year, and then all kinds of other [events], Bonspiels, hockey tournaments, stag and does, birthday parties, private events, sometimes wine parings in people’s houses,” said Wise.

Wise also volunteers her time as President of the Mildmay Chamber of Commerce to foster development and provide resources for local businesses. As a local business leader, Wise attests to the usefulness of available grants such as the South Bruce Downtown Revitalization Program and Spruce the Bruce grants. Since 2021, Harley’s has received six grants, from Bruce County and the Municipality of South Bruce, that have covered up to 50% of the total cost of renovation projects, which equals $13,750. Some renovations include the kitchen floor, building signage, patio improvements, masonry work and more.

“The grants are awesome; I would encourage anybody to apply to the grants that are out there,” said Wise. “It also encourages you, as a business, to work on your business sometimes rather than always working in your business.”

Wise describes that a goal for the Mildmay Chamber of Commerce is to reinvigorate the community’s main street and promote foot traffic in the downtown. She outlines the work the Chamber is planning, which includes town beautification initiatives such as new lampposts with raised planter boxes, new flags, and new signage that demonstrates cohesiveness between businesses. She also mentions the desire for more businesses to relocate to Mildmay, including those with diverse offerings such as a gift shop or clothing store as amenities.

“Nobody’s in competition with each other, we’re all here to help each other, to support each other and we all need to be here, no one business can do everything that we need to have in the area,” said Wise.

Visit Harley’s Pub and Perk at 87 Elora St. to experience the atmosphere at one of South Bruce’s premier eateries. Small businesses are encouraged to check out available grants at www.southbruce.ca/grants.

This article is part of an ongoing Community Revitalization series initiated by the Municipality of South Bruce