Businesses, Community Step Forward To Help 'Wiseguys'

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — Days after a popular Clinton Township bar burned down, the community and local businesses have stepped forward to help. Numerous benefits are planned and a GoFundMe account created for the workers and management of Wiseguys Bar & Grill on Garfield Road.

“All of you that know the Wise family know that this is single-handedly one of the most kind-hearted and generous families that anyone could ever cross paths with,” wrote Alicia Piekutowski in starting the GoFundMe page. “From the way they treat their staff to the way they treat any person that walks through the doors of their establishments, they never fail to make it feel like home for every single person.”

Wiseguys was completely destroyed by fire early Sunday morning. Located on Garfield Road between Canal and 19 Mile Road, firefighters from several agencies helped put the fire out, which is believed to have started at about 5:30 a.m.

Jim and Laura Wise own the bar and grill as well as a second location. The fire appears to be accidental, according to a Macomb Daily report.

Thus far, just $400 of a $5,000 goal has been raised via the GoFundMe account. Piekutowski urged people to contribute what they could afford.

“I understand that it is very close to the holidays but anything that anyone can help donate at this time will help make a difference for the family and all of their staff that is now without income at this time,” she wrote. “Please find it in your hearts to do what you can so we can help get our neighborhood bar back as soon as possible!”

Business in the area are also stepping forward.

Roger’s Roost, a Sterling Heights sports bar, raised $2,000 raised for Wiseguys workers at a recent event, the Macomb Daily reported. Freddy’s Bar & Grill, also on Garfield in Clinton Township, will host a “Family Affair” Sunday from 1 - 6 p.m. while the Mirage Banquet Center on 18 Mile Road will have a relief benefit from 5-11 p.m. on Dec. 21, the newspaper reported.

Photos courtesy of GoFundMe