Over Two Years In, Willie’s Lounge and Big Willie’s in Salt Lake City are Thriving Under New Leadership
Big Willie’s and Willie’s Lounge, two Salt Lake City nightlife staples, kicked off a new chapter in 2023 under the leadership of new owners. About to enter their third year, the owners are reflecting on what they’ve built and sharing their vision for what’s next.
Married couple Michelle and Patrick Mannos, parents of four, had a longtime dream of owning a bar, which became a reality in 2023 when they took over Big Willie’s, a sports bar and pool hall, and its sister location, Willie’s Lounge, known as SLC’s oldest dive bar. They bring experience, vision, and a commitment to preserving the legacy of both community favorites.
“Bars are where people gather,” Michelle said. “They’re where you celebrate, where you mourn, where you just connect. To be a part of people’s lives like that—it’s really special.”
Patrick brings two decades of bar industry experience, while Michelle’s background in finance helps with managing logistics and operations. One of the couple’s proudest achievements has been maintaining continuity for employees and regulars alike and respecting the bars’ legacies. Nearly every employee stayed through the ownership transition, some with almost a decade of service. Today, they employ 32 employees across both bars.
Their welcoming approach extends to customers, fostering a tight-knit community through weekly events—Monday Bingo, Tuesday Trivia, Wednesday vinyl-only DJs, and Thursday Karaoke—while consistently serving fresh, delicious brews and cocktails with a focus on quality and value.
Entering their third year of ownership, the Mannoses are focused on continuing growth, and ensuring that both Big Willie’s and Willie’s Lounge continue to thrive as welcoming spaces where anyone can gather, have fun, and feel at home.
“To create a place where people can come together, that’s what bars have always been about,” Patrick said.
To read more about the owners’ journey and vision for Willie’s Lounge, learn more https://willieslounge.com.