Thrive Local

05/29/2026

We are so excited the weather is finally cooperating for patio season. Head out to Stoked Bar & Mechanical today for yard games and come back tomorrow for live music.

05/06/2026

03/14/2026

When we share the story of how our downtown projects began, we always say it started with three siblings who had big ideas for downtown Upper Sandusky. But the next line of that story is always the influence of Jacob Badenhop.

Jake was such an important part of everything we’ve been building at Thrive. He believed deeply in the vision for our downtown and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help make it possible. More than his dedication and insight, though, we will miss his humor, his steady presence, and his friendship. Jake was family.

He will be deeply missed by our team and by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Our hearts are with his wife, Collyn, and their daughters during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead.

02/05/2026

This Saturday is the Ram Boosters Reverse Raffle, and there are still tickets available at the link below. There will be a live auction for the items we donated along with many others including gift cards to Stoked and The Steer Barn and a free stay at The Novel Hotel. Come support our local high school’s athletics!

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ramboostersinc/event/reverseraffle2026copy/

🔔 Live Auction Item Alert! 🔔
A huge thank you to Thrive Local for donating this amazing package to our live auction! 🏨✨
This generous donation adds so much excitement to the night—don’t miss your chance to bid and win! You can kick off your night with dinner at The Steer Barn, drinks and duckpin at Stoked Bar & Mechanical, and finish your night at The Novel Hotel! Thrive Local's support helps make this event possible, and we’re incredibly grateful for community partners who give back. Thank you for supporting our cause and our community!

12/22/2025

Money spent supporting local businesses doesn’t count, right? If you’re home for the holidays, shop local & see what’s new in Upper! 🛍️🍫☕️

12/03/2025

Once upon a chilly December night, a little lamp on Main Street decided to tell a story. 📚

Hand-painted with classic Christmas tales—Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, and The Gift of the Magi—it quietly lights up the corner with holiday magic. ✨

And tucked between the pages? A few warm mugs, because what’s cozier than a hot drink and a good book? ☕️🧸

Stop by and see our Storybook Christmas Lamp shining bright downtown! 🎄

April Gottfried Kathy Kimmel Wyandot Chamber of Commerce

12/01/2025

We are still looking for kitchen staff, servers, and bartenders! No experience is required but pay is experience-based. Email [email protected] and we will send you an application and schedule an interview from there 🎳🕹️

11/17/2025

Tonight is our first hiring event from 4pm-7pm. Please come to T&T Underground to apply for open positions for servers, bartenders, line and prep cooks, and dishwashers at Stoked! If you’re interested in any of these positions, we encourage you to come, fill out an application, interview, and get hired all at once.

If you can’t make it tonight, we have another hiring event on November 19th from 11am-2pm and on November 22nd from 11am-2pm. These will both be held at Stoked.

Email [email protected] for more information!

Tonight's location: 111 North Sandusky Avenue Upper Sandusky

10/21/2025

Hiring: Front of House Manager for Stoked Bar & Mechanicals
Location: Upper Sandusky

Position Overview:
- Supervise front-of-house staff including servers, bartenders, and hosts
-Lead pre-shift meetings and communicate daily priorities and goals
- Ensure service standards, cleanliness, and brand presentation are consistently met
- Oversee floor management and guest relations during all shifts
- Assist with staff hiring, training, and performance evaluation
- Manage FOH scheduling, timecards, and labor cost awareness
- Support event ex*****on, promotions, and special nights (line-dancing, trivia, etc.)
- Monitor inventory levels for service supplies
- Collaborate with the kitchen manager and ownership team to improve operations
- Handle guest feedback professionally and proactively
- Maintain compliance with all health, safety, and alcohol service regulations

Qualifications:
- 3+ years of experience in restaurant or bar management
- Great communication and leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to recruit, train and lead a high performing team
- Working knowledge of restaurant financial metrics (Labor Management, food & beverage costs, inventory controls)
- A passion for people, food, and creating memorable nights
- Availability nights, weekends, and special events
- ServSafe and/or TIPS certification preferred

Pay & Benefits
$47,000–$52,000 annual salary (+ benefits)
- Employee meals & merch discounts
- Health Insurance (employer sponsored)
- Dental Insurance (employer sponsored)
- Vision Insurance (employer sponsored)
- Life Insurance (Employer Paid, up to $25,000)
- 401(k) Plan with Company Match (3%)
- 2 Weeks Paid Vacation

Apply by emailing [email protected] Subject: Front of House Manager for Stoked Bar & Mechanicals with your resume or experience.

10/10/2025

If you are planning a wedding for next spring, we highly suggest Eighty Eight Catering’s Open House coming up October 19th!

Last call for our Wedding Catering Open House! We’re cooking off our entire menu, so you can create the perfect dinner! 20 appetizers, 19 proteins (1 vegan, 2 vegetarian!), and 18 sides!

Then if you have room, Spencer's Sugar Shop, LLC will be joining us with samples of her delicious desserts!