Kew’s Korner Pub builds community-first space in Flint

FLINT, Mich. — A first-time visitor might walk in alone, but by the end of the night, they’re likely singing karaoke, sharing laughs and exchanging names with people who feel like they’ve known each other for years.

That sense of connection is exactly what owner Tory Vancobb set out to create at Kew’s Korner Pub, a space centered on community.

Vancobb took over the longtime bar in July after the previous owner decided it was time to step away. The business has been part of Flint for decades, originally opening in the 1980s before becoming Kew’s Korner in 2013.

With a background in hospitality that began at age 13, Vancobb spent years working in large, corporate restaurant settings. Over time, he said, the work began to feel less people-focused and more profit-driven, so he decided to pursue something that was more meaningful to him.

Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, and later East Lansing, Vancobb moved to Flint in 2020 and quickly found himself drawn to the city’s authenticity and resilience. When the opportunity to purchase the bar came along, he saw a chance to create the kind of environment he felt was missing.

Since taking over, he said the biggest surprise hasn’t been the day-to-day operations, but the people who walk through the door.

Newcomers often arrive alone but quickly find themselves in conversation, forming connections that bring them back. Vancobb compares the atmosphere to the classic TV show “Cheers,” where “everybody knows your name.”

That sense of connection extends beyond casual conversation as the pub has become a hub for local collaboration, with customers regularly bringing in ideas for events and partnerships.

In recent months, the business has hosted a turkey drive with a neighboring church and is planning a community park cleanup with local residents and Genesee County Parks, an effort that came together through a customer who is also a local activist.

While the bar features crowd favorites like a strawberry mojito made with fresh mint and strawberries sourced from the Flint Farmers’ Market, Vancobb said alcohol isn’t the primary focus.

“I want this to be more known as a community center that has alcohol,” he said.

That approach helps shape how customers are treated as Vancobb welcomes people regardless of whether they’re ordering a drink.

Word of mouth also plays a key role in the pub’s growth, helping bring in new customers through shared experiences and recommendations.

Looking ahead, Vancobb recently purchased the building next door and is exploring the idea of opening a coffee shop or performance venue. That space would offer a similar sense of connection for people who may not drink alcohol.

“We have a lot of people who say, ‘I’d love to come, but I don’t drink,’” he said. “So how do we create a space for them too?”

The vision reflects the same goal that brought him to Kew’s Korner in the first place: creating a place where people can simply exist, connect and belong.

“Sometimes you just need a place to chill out, have a few laughs,” he said. “That’s what this is about.”

Kew’s Korner Pub is located at 4509 Saginaw St. To learn more, visit kewskorner.com.