Bartenders are required to operate with a Swiss Army Knife skillset – creativity as mixologists, knowledge of sometimes obscure drinks that customers crave, listening and communications skills to serve as sounding boards for their regulars, de facto conflict de-escalators when an environment gets a little too crazy, and generally any other responsibilities as they pop up while doing whatever it takes to create welcoming vibes in their establishments. The Art of Bartendingis a Flint. Daily. series that shares the unique characteristics of some of Flint’s favorite barkeeps. Have a favorite Flint bartender you think we should feature? Email team@flintdaily.news.
A core component of bartending is being able to put on a little show sometimes – and Tory Vancobb, bartender and co-owner at Kew’s Korner Pub, has just the drink for that.
“My favorite drink to make is a smoked old fashioned,” Vancobb said. “It’s a very simple drink, but they taste really good and there’s some mystery with the smoke. And then once you light the wood to make the smoke, it just perks up everybody. I think it’s a really approachable drink, but I think it’s also a conversation starter, because people ask what’s that drink you have over there that’s smoking?”
Beyond the theatrics and art of mixology, Vancobb also loves the social aspect of bartending, something that the welcoming environment at Kew’s is great at facilitating.
“I think it’s like magic, when you’re able to take this person sitting down there by themselves and say, ‘Oh, these people might have this in common,’ or ‘Let me introduce you to this person,’” Vancobb said. “It’s not only knowing what people drink, it’s about taking the time to really get to know them. And sometimes you only have 30 seconds to a minute. So I think bartending really is about asking people the right questions, introducing yourself so then they feel comfortable to introduce themselves and let you into a little piece of their life so you can see where they fit in this big puzzle we have going on here.”
Kew’s Korner has been open since 2013. Previously, the Kew’s space housed Jim’s Garage and Liquor Lounge. Kew’s was owned by Kelli Windle until last year when Vancobb, Dale Emery, and Arlene Winfield purchased it. Kew’s is an inclusive bar where everyone is welcome, and Vancobb said that part of the reason Windle sold to them is because she knew that environment would continue to flourish.
“She said, ‘I want to sell it to you because I know you’ll take good care of it,” said Vancobb, who studied hospitality and business at Michigan State University.
Part of that care is on display with the building itself. Kew’s Korner temporarily closed in January to do some interior renovations. The building had a small fire in September, so part of the project is repairing some smoke damage and putting on a new roof. But they’re also redoing the interior of the building, including new flooring, painting, lighting, and even a new mural of the city of Flint. They previously added an outdoor patio and seating over the summer. They’re tentatively targeting having those renovations completed and reopening around February 5. Kew’s regularly updates its Facebook and Instagram pages with event information as well as news about their construction and reopening.
When the doors are back open, a core component of Kew’s will remain unchanged – the welcoming and friendly environment that Vancobb credits Windle for establishing. That includes a familiar sign inside that succinctly captures the spirit of Kew’s Korner: ‘Be Nice or Leave.’
“I think that’s the overall mantra for this place,” Vancobb said. “The previous owner, Kelli, bought this place because she wanted a place for her friends to be comfortable and have a good time, where they could come out and be social. So she really started that like, I call it a friends and family atmosphere. I think once the pandemic happened, that went away for a lot of people. Once we were able to open back up, that only strengthened. That’s one thing we preach to everybody that works here, and it’s like they just get it. We’re here to be that place that people feel safe, they can be themselves, whoever that is. We don’t choose or discriminate. One of the things I like about being a bartender and a bar owner is just seeing people who connect and the next thing you know, they’re sharing information and then you see them hanging out on Facebook or working on a project together, and I’m like, wow, this place sparked that.”
Vancobb is a Flint transplant who has lived in the city for about 25 years. During that time, he said it’s the people he’s met who have kept him here.
“From the time I moved here 25 years ago, I was at that pivotal time in life where you’re not in college anymore, so it’s hard to find friends,” Vancobb said. “But then I just started meeting people who I could tell will be my friends for the rest of my life. That’s what kept me here. I know a lot of people have bad stuff to say about Flint, but I have only had very good experiences with the people. I like that it’s up and coming. I like that there’s a lot of history here and a lot of wise people. I don’t have any family here, I just decided to stay because this is where I can plant roots and really try to make a difference.”
He said he can’t remember a time in his life when he hasn’t had a job in the restaurant or hospitality industry. After spending his career in the industry, owning his own establishment was a logical next step.
“I started when I was 13 as a busboy, because there was a sweatshirt I wanted and my mom wouldn’t buy it for me, so she was like, ‘If you want that expensive sweatshirt, go buy your own,’” Vancobb said. “When I graduated (from Michigan State), I worked for many different restaurant companies, and then once the pandemic hit things got a little dicey with staffing and I said, you know, it’s a lot of stress. If I’m gonna have this much stress, I might as well do it for myself.”
Vancobb said there are future expansion plans right next door. The Kew’s ownership group purchased two adjacent buildings, which used to be called ‘The Zoo’ before it closed. The space has been empty for about 12 years, but they’re currently remodeling and plan to open it as a coffee bar. Patrons can expect the same welcoming and friendly atmosphere, but with a focus on providing a space for people who don’t necessarily drink alcohol or like a typical bar atmosphere. The buildings will be connected through the new patio on the back of Kew’s Korner, with the new space providing a place for poetry nights, open mic nights, and other more lowkey events, while Kew’s will continue to have karaoke nights, drag shows, and other fun and lively events that the space has been known for.
“We want to make it like an old fashioned coffee shop,” Vancobb said, adding that they hope to have the new space open by the fall. “It’s for people who want to have a more relaxed atmosphere. We’re gonna add a kitchen, so we’ll be able to have food. And we really wanted to give people something that wasn’t so alcohol focused. There are a lot of people who don’t drink. In our top five selling items, number four is non-alcoholic beer. So that’s a clear sign that people are choosing to do things without alcohol. So you could still get a coffee cocktail over there, but it would be more coffee shop focused instead of alcohol and partying.”
Vancobb also hopes the completed renovations will enhance Flint’s southside corridor.
“When we (the owners) came here, we all saw something,” Vancobb said. “Our vision is to help basically transform what I look at as one of the main thoroughfares into Flint. You don’t want to be greeted with an abandoned building. So we’re trying to activate these spaces and make them a destination where people can come and hang out.”
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