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Issue 1561 November 25, 2012
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Greg Kimbrue & The Vno Wine Warehouse:
The Perfect Match for Fundraising

"If it's a charitable event, I never turn anyone down," says Greg Kimbrue

April 27, 2015       Leave a Comment
By: O. J. Cunningham

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Fundraising . . .

If you own or manage a business, it's more than likely that you cringe when you hear the word.

You shudder any time the phone rings, or there's an uninvited knock on the door and .... "It's A FUNDRAISER" ...

Not Greg Kimbrue.

For over two decades, Kimbrue, like other local restaurateurs has not shied away from "answering the bell" when charitable organizations come calling, looking for help..


Greg Kimbrue
"I never turn anyone down"

Photo by O. J. Cunningham
© MyBayCity.com
"Support the community that supports the business."

"That's my motto," says Kimbrue.

And Kimbrue, not only "talks the talk" . . . but he "walks the walk." Kimbrue states pointedly that national chain dining establishments are never involved in the community as much as local restaurant owners. "The owners, investors and stockholders of local restaurants all live together . . . right here . . . in Bay City, in Bay County," Kimbrue said. Kimbrue is proud of his Vno Wine Warehouse and the Bay City Grill and Bar at 508-510-512 E. Midland Street Business District for continuing the traditions of previous restaurant locations.

"Since opening Vno, we've already had four Comedy Nights that have raised over $12,000 for local charities like the Women's Center," Kimbrue said. And there's more projects in the works.

Kingfish, Lantern, River Rock Cafe are all restaurant names that a familiar in the Great Lakes Bay community. Kimbrue's mark is on each of these. "I would say," Kimbrue said, (thinking back) . . . when asked how many fundraisers he's held inside his restaurants.

"Anywhere from 150 to 200 fundraisers," Kimbrue said. "That's a really good, close number of fundraisers that have been held at my restaurants," he went on. "Two hundred (200) is probably closer."

Kimbrue continued, remembering community projects that his restaurants have been aligned with. "Fireworks, River Roar . . . when you add them in," Kimbrue continued. "We've maybe raised over $500,000 . . . no . . . make that 600,000 or seriously, maybe closer to $750,000."

Kimbrue has been involved in the restaurant business community for over 18 years since he bought The Brass Lantern (with Willis Wells) from Nick Yaklin back in 1995.

His Vno location currently employs 25-30 employees and seats anywhere from 100-175 people. "We're the perfect place for a fundraiser," Kimbrue said.

In this day and age, nonprofits are under pressure (dwindling resources) and need to raise more money themselves than ever before.

"I can say that I never turn anyone down," Kimbrue said about his personal attitude toward non-profits and fundraising. "Sure, it's non-stop," Kimbrue went on, "but it's part of our fundamental business plan," Kimbrue said. "It's what we do."

Kimbrue feels his Vno Wine Warehouse & Restaurant is the perfect place for a fundraising project.

"I think we have the Tri-cities most unique dining, drinking and shopping experience," Kimbrue explained . . . with over 5,600 square feet of space spread out in an open urban, yet historic style and decorum.

The Vno facility features a large wine and beer retail area with over 500 types of wine from all around the world . . . and of course, from the state of Michigan.

All of that lines up to make Vno Wine Warehouse & Restaurant a match for fundraising projects.

"You really have to see our pricing on wine," Kimbrue explained. Kimbrue says his wine pricing meets and mostly beats all of the big chain stores and that special orders are gladly accepted.

"Wine tasting charity events are a natural fit for us," Kimbrue pointed out. "We've got price and product working for us."

The Vno Wine Warehouse & Restaurant features:

  • Wine Tasting for any size group
  • The beautifully renovated bar Vno room has seating for 50+ guests
  • Perfect for showers, rehearsal dinners, retirement & going-away parties
  • Handicap accessible bathrooms

    Bay City Grill and Bar offers a combined menu of sports bar favorites like great burgers, sandwiches, wings, dinners, salads and much more.

    When you add in a 30 item list of tapas (appetizers), you have a selection of food items at affordable Midland Street prices.

    Next door at the Bay City Grill and Bar . . .

  • Numerous Big Screen TVs for any major sporting event
  • Friday & Saturday live acoustic music (8:00pm - Midnight)
  • Sandwiches and burgers

    Got an idea for a fundraiser? Give Greg Kimbrue a call.

    For more information, you can call the Vno Wine Warehouse at (989) 460-0116 or the Bay City Grill and Bar at (989) 460-0117.

    The restaurant complex is located at 508-510-512 E. Midland Street.



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    O. J. Cunningham

    O. J. Cunningham is the Publisher of MyBayCity.com. Cunningham previously published Sports Page & Bay City Enterprise. He is the President/CEO of OJ Advertising, Inc.

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