Two Macomb County Bars Make A Huge Switch
Two Macomb County Bars Make A Huge Switch
A longtime bar of over 70 years on Groesbeck, “The Rusty Nail,” is moving just about a half mile north up the street to start new memories. This bar has hosted many local rock and roll bands from original to cover bands. And many years of being there for folks in need by hosting benefits. My band CHIT! has played many shows and benefits over the past 10 years there. One of my favorite places I loved to play. The wooden stage and drum riser made for a unique setup.

Many Local Bands Played The Nail Including CHIT!

CHIT! Live on The Rusty Nail Stage
Patti Wagoner has always been a wonderful friend and bar owner of The Rusty Nail for over ten years is pulling the Nail so to speak and moving into, “Rayz Bar and Grill,” just down the road. Not an easy thing to do with so many memories the building has had but recent events gave her little choice for the club to stay where it’s been for so long. The bar itself has been there for as long as I can remember. My mother told me stories of her times going to the watering hole bar many times in the ’70s. I remember passing by as a kid and seeing lots of Motorcycles always parked there.

Front Entrance to The Rusty Nail
The Rusty Nail was sold to a trucking company next door and they plan to demolish the building to make room for a new complex for trucks. I hope some will make the trek down the street on the Rusty Nail‘s new spot. This brings us to the other bar they are moving to. Rayz Bar holds a place in my heart too. Many years with my band CHIT! and was the home for, “Rock 4 Tots.”

Front Window to Rayz Bar
News of the upcoming change to Rayz Bar made me ask the question, What was going to happen to owner Ray Srour? Ray explained the changes and told me, “It was time to retire but plans of a small corner bar might be still in the cards.” Ray has ran Rayz Bar for almost 10 years and just like the Rusty Nail has a plethora of great memories. Before Rayz the bar was the famous Wooly Bully’s oldies bar. Ray Srour took that bar and completely gutted it and transformed it into a beautiful establishment. Kristen Bousquet, bartender, and close friend, and I shared a few tears at the thought of the closing of the bar. Kristen always took great pride in decorating for her favorite holiday, Christmas. We loved sharing Spanish coffees and smiles for many years. Look forward to where both Ray and Kristin’s adventures take them next.

Kristin & Scott Randall Spanish Coffee Time
Two Macomb County Bars Make A Huge Switch, the transfer of memories and patrons is soon if everything with the local Liquor Control Commission paperwork goes through by the end of March. Both establishments will have their send-off get-togethers very soon. I wish both places the best wishes in the future.