Since new owner Jay Scott took over in November, Jay's Piston Broke Pub in Sault Ste. Marie has quickly become the go-to spot for live music lovers in northern Ontario.
The bar and grill offers a warm atmosphere for locals and visitors to enjoy good food, great drinks, and some of the best live music in town.
So far, people stepping inside Jay’s have noticed a bit of a change: extensive updates, a hearty menu, and a varied slate of performers during the week.
“There've been a lot of old faces returning, people that hadn't been here in a long time,” Scott said. “And we’ve been getting really good feedback.”
“People have noticed the changes to the place,” he said. “We’re kind of bringing a new life to it.”
Providing a bit of a recharge for Jay’s Piston Broke Pub was all part of Scott’s plan: offer people a friendly place to go, and book some of the best entertainment from the city’s pool of gifted musicians.
“We have a lot of talent here in the Soo,” Scott said. “ And it's definitely nice to promote them and give them the spotlight, but also give people a place to come out to have a good time.”
That includes shows from Leslie Cook, and local favourites Soundcheck, Fort Creek and Boneyard.
But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. Jay's Piston Broke Pub also offers weekly karaoke nights, a washer toss night (outside on Jay’s spacious patio, of course!) and a special $0.85 wing night on Mondays and Wednesdays.
They’ve also booked birthday parties and business events so far, and are sponsoring a softball team that takes the field every week.
Scott says community involvement is really what gives a venue like the Pub its unique, warm energy. And there’s a handful of summer events that will provide a bit of fun for everyone.
“We’re involved in the Dragonfly Run (Ride for ARCH) in August which is going to be big, and we’re also teaming up with Amore for a Pride event in July.”
“We’ve also got a car show scheduled with some classic car enthusiasts here in the Soo this August.”
But to keep events running smoothly – and the day to day operation of the pub – Scott says he’s been relying on some familiar faces.
Despite the big cosmetic changes to Jay’s Piston Broke Pub, he’s kept some of the original staff – Eliza and Shannon – who have been bringing smiles to customers’ faces for years.
“Without them, I don’t think I could do it,” Scott said. “In fact, I probably wouldn't have made it the first week. They’ve been a great asset.”
Speaking of familiar faces, one of the quirkiest traditions of the Piston Broke Pub is back.
On your birthday, don’t forget to plant a kiss on the moose head that’s hanging near the bar. People have been laying smooches on the moose for years.
Some say it brings the lucky person everlasting love, but for others it’s just another fun way to spend the evening in Sault Ste. Marie. And don’t forget to take a few selfies with the moose!
For more information about Jay’s Piston Broke Pub, visit their Facebook page.