A Corktown Business Owner’s Guide to St. Patrick’s Season

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By Bob Roberts, President, Corktown Business Association

I remember standing inside McShane’s during one of the first St. Patrick’s Days after COVID — the energy was coming back, but everything felt different. Costs were higher, staffing was harder, and every decision carried more risk. Like many business owners in Corktown, I’ve learned that margins are slimmer than ever, and running a neighborhood business today takes resilience, creativity, and a lot of faith in the community around us.

Bob Roberts

President of Corktown Business Association, Owner of McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar

COVID-19 changed our industry. It reshaped how we hire, how we serve guests, and how we plan for major events. Yet what hasn’t changed is the strength of Corktown — a neighborhood built by entrepreneurs who show up for each other and find ways to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t easy.

As we head into another St. Patrick’s season, I want to encourage fellow business owners to see this moment not just as a busy weekend, but as an opportunity to reconnect with customers and celebrate how far we’ve come. Big events bring pressure, but they also bring visibility, energy, and new relationships that can sustain us long after the crowds go home.

Navigating Big Events in Corktown

  • Plan ahead, but stay flexible. Every day in this business is a risk, but preparation helps manage it.

  • Keep it simple. One clear promotion or experience can go a long way.

  • Support one another. When one Corktown business succeeds, the entire neighborhood benefits.

  • Focus on hospitality. In challenging times, genuine service and community spirit matter more than ever.

  • St. Patrick’s Day is part of Corktown’s story, but so is perseverance. Despite the challenges our industry has faced, this neighborhood continues to show what’s possible when small businesses work together. As we welcome visitors, neighbors, and friends back to Michigan Avenue, let’s celebrate not only our Irish heritage, but the resilience that keeps Corktown moving forward.

Here’s to a strong season ahead and to continuing to build something special together.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or supporter of Corktown, we invite you to get involved. Join the Corktown Business Association, tell a friend to join, and help us keep building a stronger neighborhood together.

Learn more at: www.corktowndetroit.biz