OPEN

M - W:  11am - 7pm

​TH - Sat:  11am - 9pm

Our History

Owners: Dave Faerber and Mike DuFresne

You'll find Wanigan Eatery & Pub near the corner of Salzburg and S.Wenona.  

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1905 S. Wenona Street, Bay City

1905 S. Wenona St.

Bay City, MI 48706

Phone: 989-892-8303

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​Jack Panzer had a vision for a deli to serve  Bay City and in 1986 his dream became reality when he opened The Wanigan Deli. He knew he found the perfect home for his restaurant in the Kantzler Building which was built in 1910. The building is located close to downtown Bay City with a beautiful view of the park and river.

The Kantzler building formerly served as lumber mill offices during the lumber era days. Celebrating that history, the restaurant was named Wanigan Deli. A "wanigan" is a floating kitchen on the river which served meals to lumbermen as they harvested and moved the wood down river. 

​Wanigan Deli served up hot delicious sandwiches with the menu growing to 32 numbered sandwiches having local names like #6 Johnny Be Good and #27 Connie's Perky Turkey. Savory soups, salads and fresh baked bread ensured Wanigan customers never left disappointed. Jack's sister, Eva Panzer-Foster, later took ownership and in 1998, Greig and Katherine Pelletier purchased the deli operating it successfully for the next 17 years until they retired.

On October 20, 2014, Bay City native Mike DuFresne and Dave Faerber of Saginaw Township became the current owners of the Wanigan Eatery & Pub. The custom-made sandwiches, and reputation for outstanding meals drew them to the business. They remain steadfast in their commitment to the high-quality ingredients that go into each delicious meal and take great pride in the fact if you ate a sandwich today, it would have the same great taste and portion size as what you had when Wanigan first opened.  

Mike and Dave have invested in many improvements over the years including renovating the interior, building an enclosed heated patio area, enlarging the deck facing the riverfront and landscaping. They expanded meal choices including adding salads, a variety of new soups, appetizers, serving hand dipped ice cream year-round, fresh cookies and gluten free options for customers. They installed a hand-crafted wood and metal bar that provides beer, wine and spirits and they extended open hours to evenings M-Sat. Live music is featured every Friday night. Friends now gather for Name That Tune game nights, Fish Fridays meals and other special events. 

Visit the Wanigan Eatery Facebook page for current events and meal features.

Mike, Dave and the friendly staff invite you to stop in for lunch, dinner, or an evening drink and see why people call Wanigan Eatery & Pub Bay City's hidden gem.