Long time Grand Marais Liquor Store Manager Pat Hennessy retired from his position on Friday, May 30. The staff threw a going away party for him and wished him well as he transitions into new and exciting opportunities.
Long time Grand Marais Liquor Store Facilities Manager Pat Hennessy worked his last day on the job on Friday, May 30, 2014, calling it quits after a career that he began in 1978 as a parttime bar tender at the Grand Marais Municipal (Muni) bar, space that has undergone many changes since the Muni closed, but has now been converted into the Grand Marais Public Utility Commission and Cook County/ Grand Marais Economic Development Authority offices.
Hennessy is leaving a business that he says, “I tried to run like it was my own. I wanted customers to have a good experience when they came in here. I hope they got that.
“This was by far the best job that I have ever had in my life. I really enjoyed my stay here.”
From 1978 to 1982 Pat worked in the Muni, but he left to take a job with the county.
“I came back in 1989 and was the part-time liquor store clerk. In October of 1994 I became the liquor store facilities manager,” said Hennessy.
Under Pat’s supervision, the Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store has grown in volume, sales and profitability for the city. Every year the Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store is the most profitable municipal liquor store in the region.
“It wasn’t too long ago that our sales were under $1 million, but last year we were over $2 million. Part of that I think is because Grand Marais has become more of a destination. More and more people are coming here. It’s a nice town to visit with a lot of amenities. We have nice shops, good restaurants, and good lodging.
“But I would also like to think that we provide good service at the liquor store. As manager I have been fortunate to have real honest, hard-working help. There have been a lot of great people working here over the years. They have to be given credit too, for the success,” Hennessy said.
Although Hennessy is leaving the liquor store, he isn’t riding off into the sunset. Not yet, anyway.
“Jenny [Pat’s very nice wife] is still working and I have a part-time merchandising job which I am going to keep. I am also looking at another parttime job in the area. I plan on keeping working, but, although I loved my job, it was time for a change of pace,” Hennessy said.
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