From left, Lennon Glassmeyer, Briana Begley, Emily Begley, owner Priscilla Wischmeier and Paula Hunterman out on the patio Saturday at the restaurant, 513 S. Poplar St.
Margaret Wilson | For The Tribune
The outside of Poplar Street Restaurant & Tavern before the festivities kick off Saturday, 513 S. Poplar St.
Chey Smith | The Tribune
The Poplar Street Restaurant & Tavern staff, including family and friends, wearing their Poplar Street shirts during the festivities Saturday at the restaurant, 513 S. Poplar St.
Margaret Wilson | For The Tribune
Darnell Dukes painting on a person’s arm Saturday at the restaurant, 513 S. Poplar St.
Margaret Wilson | For The Tribune
The front of Poplar Street Restaurant & Tavern, which has been standing strong for 100 years, 513 S. Poplar St.
Chey Smith | The Tribune
The crowd that came for Poplar Street Restaurant & Tavern’s festivities Saturday on the patio, 513 S. Poplar St.
Margaret Wilson | For The Tribune
Starting as a grocery store, the Poplar Street Restaurant & Tavern building has been “standing strong 100 years,” which has been the motto of the celebrations that happened last Friday and Saturday at the pub at 513 S. Poplar St.
In 1933, the establishment was transformed into a restaurant, but since its inception, the place has always been referred to as Poplar Street.
Before the current owner, Priscilla Wischmeier, was in charge of the restaurant, it belonged to her brother, Dillard “Pickle” Wischmeier. In 1980, he purchased it from Dona and Richard Barker.
During the time her brother owned the building, new inclusions were made to it such as a family room and, just before COVID struck, a patio.
Priscilla said she urged her brother to buy the nearby building, tear it down and turn it into the patio it is today, which is good for getting some fresh air and putting on live music.
Since 2016, she has been helping run the restaurant, but when her brother died March 10, 2020, she took on full responsibility of the establishment.
As a kid, Wischmeier called the restaurant Maude’s or Prewitt’s, after one set of the owners’ names when she was young — Maude and James “Toots” Prewitt. Many fond childhood memories came from her time with family, going out to eat.
“That was our entertainment,” she said.
Growing up on a farm, she said this was her family’s way of having a social life. She continued to provide that service to others, most notably when the Seymour Woolen Mill was across the street. Back then, her customers often consisted of workers from first to third shift, going on breaks or heading out of work for the day.
“After every other bar closed, we would be the last ones open,” Wischmeier said.
At the time, they were opened much later than their hours now, which is 11 a.m.-to 11 p.m. daily except Sunday, which is when they are closed.
“It didn’t matter if I got out at five in the morning,” Wischmeier said as she was glad to serve.
Today, the restaurant provides her with the same opportunities it did when she was young, expanding her social life.
“It’s fun to meet different people,” she said including those who live nearby to those who travel across the country and find themselves at Poplar Street.
Two important tips she took from her brother for running the restaurant were consistency and customer service. She estimated 75% of her customers are repeat — thanks to the commitment she and her team put into upholding these rules. When she sees an unfamiliar face, Wischmeier is excited to learn more about them.
“I don’t know where they’re from, but I’m gonna find out,” she said.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, Poplar Street had live music, face painting, some new menu items and merchandise this past weekend.
Thinking about the future, Wischmeier said she is not sure what is in store but will take change as it comes.
“It’s just gonna happen — whatever happens,” she said.