Historic Menasha Hangout, Old Grog Gets Green Makeover

Old Grog’s building in historic downtown Menasha has witnessed 134 years of transformation: It has been a grocery store, livery, and even a brothel. Now, owners Rosita Eisenach and her husband can continue its legacy after working with Focus on Energy.

Eisenach understands the importance of community and business and aims to assist the greater Menasha area. Old Grog routinely cooks and supplies food to those in need, especially around the holidays. As recently as April, Old Grog ran a clothing drive to benefit the Community Clothes Closet, providing them with substantial amounts of clothes to be redistributed to those in need. It’s only fitting Old Grog receives assistance back for the work they put forth to their own community.

Focus on Energy tackled a lot of heavy energy users for the building. Old Grog was previously conditioned by a variety of aged equipment. After visiting the site for the initial assessment, a furnace gave out at the bar/restaurant. Focus on Energy and Old Grog worked quickly together to remedy the situation, fully funding the replacement and expediting installation while still working to round out the energy efficiency makeover. With the help of Central Temperature Equipment Service out of Neenah, Wisconsin, heating was quickly restored to the space in time for the holidays.

On top of the furnace replacement, the program funding helped replace a weather-torn rooftop unit, a 37-year-old gas boiler, and two hot water circulation pumps with VFDs. Black-Haak Heating, Inc. out of Appleton, Wisconsin, spearheaded those upgrades.

“Seeing the support from Focus on Energy has been truly heartwarming,” says Eisenach. “It’s wonderful to know that together we can keep Old Grog as a cornerstone of Menasha, where we can continue to bring people together and support our neighbors in times of need.”

The upgrades completed at Old Grog are projected to save the business nearly $1,800/year in energy costs. Eisenach is pleased with the upgrades, “With these new upgrades, we’re not just investing in Old Grog’s future but also in the future of our community. Here’s to another 50 years of great food, great friends, and great memories!”