Back in the early 70s, the Stafford family decided to open a restaurant down the road from us on Sixth Street in our little town of Alamo, and they christened it Staffordshire, complete with their family crest hanging on the wall and fancy white tablecloths. Never mind the cows grazing outside the windows. This was still farm country.  It was the most exciting thing to come to town since the Miller IGA, which served everyone’s grocery needs until it outgrew its location at the four corners in Alamo and packed up and left for the larger little town of Cooper. At least we still had the Miller Gas station for the purchasing of Snickers bars and Marlboros. 

Dan Miller and Jon Newby, taking a break so they can appease a customer and former classmate (Me).

After several successful years in business, Staffordshire closed, briefly reopening as The Shy Turtle before the restaurant changed hands again. In 1979, Fricano’s opened at this location, where their signature pizza was a mainstay in the area for 45 years. This past January, Fricano’s closed, with news that someone purchased the building, and a new restaurant would be opening soon. 

If you happen to be from the Alamo area, you might remember a couple of boys from your school days. Dan Miller and Jon Newby were buddies growing up, and a few years later (Okay, many years later), they’ve joined forces again and have opened the delightfully named, Joe Shmoe’s Bar and Grill. While they offer the usual pub fare, they also have sirloin steak, traditional Italian entrees and a delicious thin pizza reminiscent of Fricano’s on the menu. 

Awesome food and spirits, great surroundings, and two fabulous guys… the perfect recipe for Joe Shmoe’s. If you happen to stop in, say hi to Jon and Moose… I mean, Dan. Just a couple of great guys who grew up in Alamo and found their way back home. 

Heidi McCrary

Heidi grew up in Alamo Michigan, and is the author of “Chasing North Star,” available wherever books are sold.