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Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Marley’s Irish Pub – A Dream Realized in Downtown Manistique
- STC
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Manistique, MI – On Friday, June 13th, Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce proudly
hosted the official ribbon cutting for Marley’s Irish Pub, a fresh new addition to
downtown Manistique with a story as unique as its owner. Locals and visitors alike
gathered to welcome owner Erika Karavas and General Manager Sarah Ayers as they
unveiled their labor of love — a warm, welcoming, and distinctly Irish-inspired pub
destined to become a community favorite.
Housed in the historic building formerly known as Marley’s, the pub has been
reimagined under Erika’s vision: a place where every guest feels at home, whether
they’re a local stopping in before a Friday football game or a traveler looking for a
memorable stop on their Upper Peninsula journey.
Erika Karavas discovered the original Marley’s while on a spontaneous trip inspired by a
book she picked up called Haunted Pubs of Michigan. What began as a whimsical
detour quickly turned into something more — love at first sight with the pub, the town,
and its people. "It felt very serendipitous," Karavas shared. “From the moment I stepped into Manistique, I felt like I came home.”
A world traveler with deep roots in the hospitality industry — especially Irish pubs —
Erika has infused Marley’s with the heart and soul of the places that made her feel most
welcome during her journeys.
Marley’s Irish Pub offers a menu of hearty Irish fare with U.P. flair. Guests can enjoy
signature dishes like Shepherd’s Pie, Reubens with homemade secret dressing, and a
Charcuterie Board if you just want nibbles. Starting this fall, the pub will also introduce
Irish-inspired pasties, blending tradition and innovation in a way only the U.P. can. Drink
offerings include Guinness (soon to be on tap), Irish Mules, a Sunday Bloody Mary Bar,
and Michigan-made beer and spirits. Seasonal specials and creative additions are also
in the works.
Beyond food and drink, Marley’s is working towards hosting live music, trivia, game
nights, and more — all with an eye on building connections and energy downtown.
“We’re excited to be part of the Social District and work with other businesses to bring
even more life to the area,” said Karavas.
At the heart of Marley’s are Erika and her General Manager Sarah Ayers — both driven
by a shared love for the hospitality industry and the magic of Irish pub culture. “The best
Irish pubs are places where people come together — where you never leave hungry or
without a smile,” Erika noted. “That’s the atmosphere we’re creating here.”
Victoria George, Executive Director of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce, praised the opening:
“We are thrilled to welcome Marley’s Irish Pub to downtown Manistique. Erika and Sarah’s passion, creativity, and commitment to community are exactly what make our local business scene so special. This is more than just a restaurant — it’s a destination.”
With plans to partner with local vendors, launch themed events, and engage with regional attractions, Marley’s aims to be more than a great place to eat and drink — it wants to help Manistique thrive. “This is a dream come true,” Erika said. “And we hope Marley’s becomes a home away from home for everyone who walks through the door.”
To that end, Erika offers a warm Irish greeting to all who visit:
“Céad míle fáilte” — A hundred thousand welcomes.
Sláinte!
Business Hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday – Noon to Midnight
Friday & Saturday – Noon to 2 am
Sunday – Noon to 10 pm
Wednesday – Closed
Phone Number: (906) 341-8297
Website:
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