Unearth The Voyage
Tucked away in Traverse City, Michigan, stands a remarkable piece of American history that has been welcoming guests for over 140 years. Sleder’s Family Tavern holds the impressive title of Michigan’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, serving up hearty meals and warm hospitality since 1882. This beloved establishment has weathered everything from Prohibition to pandemics while maintaining its authentic charm. Step inside this living piece of history and discover what makes Sleder’s a true Michigan treasure.
1. Founded by a Determined Bohemian Immigrant
Vencil Sleder arrived in America with big dreams and skilled hands as a wheelwright from Bohemia. Back in 1882, he decided to build something lasting in what locals called “Slabtown” – a neighborhood named for its wooden slab construction.
His vision went beyond just another tavern; he wanted to create a gathering place where hardworking folks could enjoy good food and fellowship. The immigrant’s determination paid off as his establishment became the cornerstone of the community.
Vencil’s legacy lives on today, proving that the American dream can indeed become a multigenerational reality that spans centuries.
2. Michigan’s Longest-Running Restaurant Champion
Imagine eating at the same restaurant that served your great-great-grandparents – that’s exactly what happens at Sleder’s Family Tavern. No other Michigan restaurant can claim continuous operation since the 1880s, making this establishment a true state record holder.
While countless restaurants have opened and closed over the decades, Sleder’s has kept its doors open through every challenge. This incredible achievement puts the tavern in an exclusive club of America’s most enduring dining establishments.
Full Service Restaurant Magazine recognized this amazing feat in 2018, naming Sleder’s among the “21 Most Legendary Restaurants in America.”
3. Hand-Built with Sunday Sweat and Local Wood
Construction crews didn’t exist like today, so Vencil Sleder rolled up his sleeves and built his dream tavern mostly by hand. The project stretched across three years because most of the heavy construction work could only happen on Sundays when regular jobs paused.
Local sawmills provided the wooden slabs that became the building’s foundation and walls, keeping costs down while supporting nearby businesses. Every board, beam, and plank tells a story of determination and community cooperation.
This hands-on approach created a building with character that modern construction simply can’t replicate, giving the tavern its authentic, lived-in feel.
4. Original Features That Transport You Back in Time
Walking into Sleder’s feels like stepping through a time machine, thanks to carefully preserved original elements that most restaurants would have replaced decades ago. The stunning 21-foot mahogany and cherry wood bar dominates the main room, still gleaming after more than a century of service.
Look up and you’ll see the original 12-foot-high stamped tin ceiling, while your feet rest on the same slab floors that welcomed guests in 1882. Antique booths and parlor chairs complete the authentic atmosphere.
These aren’t replica decorations – they’re the real deal, making every meal a genuine historical experience.
5. Surviving History’s Toughest Challenges
Most businesses don’t survive a single economic downturn, but Sleder’s has weathered every major crisis in American history. During Prohibition, the clever owners served a special “root beer” made with bourbon and rye in teacups, even offering it free to local law enforcement to maintain good relationships.
The Great Depression, two world wars, and countless recessions couldn’t close these doors. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic tested restaurants everywhere, yet Sleder’s adapted and survived once again.
This incredible resilience proves that some businesses are built to last, no matter what challenges come their way.
6. New Families, Same Beloved Traditions
After nearly a century under the Sleder family name, ownership passed to the Classens in 1975, who carefully maintained the tavern’s authentic character for seventeen years. The Cairns family took over in 1992, continuing the tradition of preserving history while serving great food.
Ryan and Megan Cox became the newest stewards on December 31, 2019, representing the fourth family to own this treasured establishment. Each ownership transition has honored the tavern’s legacy while adding their own touches.
The secret to successful transitions lies in respecting what came before while adapting to modern needs, ensuring future generations can enjoy this historic gem.
7. Comfort Food and Quirky Traditions That Keep Folks Coming Back
The menu at Sleder’s focuses on hearty, satisfying dishes that have pleased customers for generations. Hand-pattied beef and bison burgers anchor the offerings, accompanied by crispy homemade fries that disappear as fast as they arrive at your table.
Regular specials like fish dinners and rib-and-chicken combos keep the menu exciting while maintaining that comfort food appeal. But perhaps the most famous tradition involves “kissing the moose” – patrons smooch a mounted moose head named Randolph for good luck.
This perfect blend of delicious food and playful customs creates an experience that visitors remember long after their last bite.
