Explore Marshfield Voters Choose GREAT Community Supporters: Restaurant Edition
A generous and giving community, Marshfield thrives on the support of its residents and businesses. Recently, Explore Marshfield asked residents to vote for the restaurants they believe are GREAT supporters of the community. There were many entries, but four establishments stood above the rest.
Blue Heron Brewpub supports the community through donations to many local fundraisers in the form of gift cards or food. They also support some high school programs through their discount cards. This year, they were able to use their largest special event (Oktoberfest) to create a large impact for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood County.
“Supporting our community is important because we want the nonprofits in our community to know they are supported by small-local businesses,” said Danielle Nystrom, Manager & Event Coordinator at Blue Heron Brewpub.“We take great pride in being able to support local organizations for the numerous causes they raise funds for.”
Next in highest votes was longstanding restaurant Melody Gardens, which besides being a place for community members of all ages to come and enjoy, also supports local organizations, schools, churches, library programs, sporting events, and charity fundraisers, while also giving time to the community through volunteering.
“It is important to be a supporter of our community to help make our area a great place to raise a family,” said Margie Schmidt, owner. “The Marshfield community has supported our family and the business for over 40 years and we are honored to give back to the people who have given us so much.”
Popular downtown restaurant and bar Nutz Deep II also prides itself on community involvement and support.
They offer a “dine to donate” program which provides a 10% donation night to applicants, host the annual “Run Your Nutz Off” event to fund-raise for those in need, and host their Nutz Deep II gift card program. They also sponsor Columbus High School, Marshfield High School Booster Club, Marshfield Young Professionals, The Y events, veterans’ fundraisers, Spencer Kids Group, Spencer High School, Our Lady of Peace Parish Fall Festival, Spencer Lions, Pittsville Lions, Tavern League of Wisconsin, and numerous health benefits and other various events that request help.
“Giving back to our community is one way we are able to thank them for the support they give us” said Ann Dieringer, Front of the House Operations. “We wouldn’t be able to be as successful without the support of our community and those around us.”
Last but not least, Marshfield’s favorite pizza place serves not only great pizza, but also frequent slices of goodwill. With the most votes, Scotty’s Pizza and Chicken has been proud to support the Marshfield community since 1987.
“I think supporting the community is important because we can give back to the community that supports us,” said Scott Berg, Owner of Scotty’s Pizza and Chicken. “We have been blessed with very loyal customers.”
Berg mentioned that this support was especially evident after a fire destroyed the business on August 27, 2001.
“Customers waited and encouraged us during the rebuilding process and have been very kind,” he said. “Both my wife and I graduated from Marshfield High School, so being here and giving back to the community that raised us and where we have chosen to raise our family gives us joy and a sense of pride.”
When budgets were cut at the schools, Scotty’s supported the PTO’s and other teams and local clubs.
“It’s just what we do and have raised our children to do as well,” said Berg. “They work the same breakfasts or tournaments we do because we taught them to take pride in their community and do what you can to make it great here in Marshfield for future generations.”
Not only has the business donated thousands of pizzas and thousands of dollars throughout the last 29 years, personally Scott has volunteered his time to many organizations and has headed up the construction of Griese Park along with the renovation at Steven J.Miller Park, while acting as President of M.A.R.C.H.21.
Scott and his wife, Lisa, have been active members and volunteers of many civic groups including Marshfield Youth Hockey Association, Tiger Blue Line Hockey Club, Marshfield Area Baseball Association, Ronald McDonald House, Marshfield Silver Laces Figure Skating Club, Marshfield Area Youth Football, Marshfield Youth Soccer Association, Marshfield Athletic Booster Club, Gary Varsho Baseball, Marshfield Legion Baseball, and Marshfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Additionally, they donate certificates to be used as raffle items, and supply food to teams, clubs and other groups at cost that they can sell to raise funds.
With their motto being “Support the community that supports local businesses and support local businesses that support the community,” Scotty’s is a restaurant that puts community first. They are in good company with places such as Blue Heron Brew Pub, Melody Gardens, Nutz Deep II, and all other community-oriented businesses.
Thank you to all local restaurants that support Marshfield!
