Meet Rich and Jayne Doyen!

Owners of the Wilde Syde!

On any given day you can take a walk to the Wilde Syde and find friends and neighbors enjoying a libation or even a cup of coffee and a roll.  Community memorabilia lines the walls......Wayne Eberhardt's sled, Gene Schwartz's skis and the sign from the old Vernon Center Auto.  At night the establishment is filled with the smells of popcorn and pizza, and the sounds of music and laughter.  During the day, fresh coffee and ham and cheese sandwiches accompany the laughter and chatter!  The community pub also serves as the community cafe, providing those who work and live in town a place to go for lunch as well as an evening out.   

It was April 1, 1991 when Jayne, then a single mom, purchased the Vernon Center Municipal Liquor Store from the City of Vernon Center.   The establishment had been losing money and the City was anxious to sell.  Jayne was anxious to buy!

Jayne sort of "grew up" in the establishment.  Her Dad, Herman Wilde, managed the bar for the city for a number of years and Jayne can remember helping her Dad with cleaning and other tasks.  "It was sort of a sentimental thing for me", when asked why she had wanted to purchase the bar.  

In 1995, Jayne married Rich Doyen.  According to Jayne, she couldn't make it work without Rich's help.  He opens the bar at 6:30 a.m. for the "coffee and roll" crowd.  This gives Jayne a chance to get the kids ready for school and onto the bus before starting her day at 8:00 a.m.  Rich also serves as full time maintenance man!   Jayne is quick to point out that the entire family pitches in, each doing their part.  Her eldest son, Justin Davis (age 23) bartends.  Son Landon  Davis (age 18)is being trained to bartend.  Daughter Tiffany, age 16, helps with cleaning.  Cara (age 8) and Leslie (age 6) help supervise!   Rich's son, Ryan (age 17) also helps out.  So it really is a "Family Affair".  

Jayne is quick to commend her employees:  "The employees are what keep people coming back.  This business would be nothing without the employees.  They make it click".  Employees include:

According to Jayne, business is great!   She has her regular customers who come in practically every day from Vernon Center, the townships and surrounding communities including Amboy and Lake Crystal.  

Jayne indicated that she likes to make improvements in the Wilde Syde every year.   Major improvements were made 7 years ago when the interior walls were entirely renovated, new flooring installed, windows added, lighting improved and a pool table added where City Hall had once been!

A new pitch roof was added, replacing the old flat roof that had a tendency to spring leaks during heavy snowfall or rains!

On occasion, Karaoke is featured as well as special contests.  

Jayne says she gets great support from the community, the City of Vernon Center and local law enforcement.  The Wilde Syde has never failed a compliance check.   "I believe I'm in the best spot in the whole world!  I'm very thankful for my clientele.  Great people come here.  This is a place where I hope anyone can come and feel comfortable."  Apparently that is the case!  Even the church ladies find their way to the Wilde Syde for coffee and rolls in the morning!

The Wilde Syde opens at 6:30 a.m., Monday-Saturday for Coffee and rolls.  Lunches are served over the noon hour.  Pizza is available all day and into the evening.   According to Jayne, Beer is still the favorite beverage, with Michelob Golden Draft Lite toping the list!

So, if you're in these parts drop by the Wilde Syde!  You'll have a good time and you might even hear a good story or two!   Before I left, I asked Jayne and Rich if they had heard any good stories lately..................

................well, I guess you will just have to stop by and find out for yourself!