When owner Wendy Smiley Johnson first started working at The Moscow Alehouse, it was just called The Alehouse. At the time the restaurant was owned by the Coeur d’Alene Brewing Company.
After moving from western Washington, Smiley Johnson got a job as a bartender and waitress at The Alehouse. But in 2010, the owners lost their lease and decided to shut down.
Since Smiley Johnson had worked there for a long time, the owners approached her and asked if she wanted to buy it. Once she did, she renamed it The Moscow Alehouse.
In 2013, they reopened their doors and have been known for their friendly service ever since, as well as their beer selection.
Each month they feature different breweries, but in January, they’ve showcased three in celebration of their six-year anniversary — Iron Horse Brewery, Icicle Brewing and Lagunitas Brewing Company.
Smiley Johnson tries to connect with the community in variety of ways, such as their logo and meat selection.
All meat is purchased from the University of Idaho’s Vandal Meats and a portion of the sales gets donated to various Moscow charities.
The kitchen of the Moscow Alehouse Tuesday.
Alexandra Stutzman | Argonaut
They also have a Mug Club, whereeach member gets a personal 20-ounce mug they get to customize and keep in store.
After a customer joins, they can grab their mug and pay the same price no matter what they choose to drink. Members can either keep their mug or renew their membership at the end of every year.
Despite having a staff of about 30 employees, Smiley Johnson still frequently waits tables and bartends.
“I didn’t come into this as an owner or a manger, (and) the best I know how to be is based on what I know. This way I get to work alongside my people,” said Smiley Johnson, who calls herself “the waitress who pays the electric bill.”
Michael Grimes, a bartender at Moscow Alehouse, said Smiley Johnson goes beyond any manager he’s seen.
“The most I’ve ever seen is a manager stepping up now and again to help. But Wendy, being the owner, it’s cool that still comes in and bartends and serves tables just like the rest of us. Her husband even comes in and helps with dishes a bunch of times,” Grimes said.
Smiley Johnson not only helps her employees in any way that she can, she treats them like family.
Mark Leitner, a server at Moscow Alehouse, said Smiley Johnson “treats him almost like a son.”
He said the job offers a lot of room for growth, as well as flexibility around his school schedule. “You are able to move up pretty quickly from server to bartender, as long as you are willing to work and have a smile on your face,” Leitner said.
In the two years he has worked at the Sixth Street restaurant, he has gained a lot from the experience and those who work with him.
Employees said the closeness of the team makes the workplace that much more enjoyable.
“A lot of people in different restaurants and jobs like to say they’re a family, but here it feels genuine because all of us are friends. We hang out outside of work just as much as in work. There’s always someone who wants to hang out,” Grimes said.
Smiley Johnson attributes her six-year success to two things — “serving great beer and hugging people.”
Customer Hailey Hilman praised the restaurant for its family friendly service.
“Even though I’ve only been in a couple times, every time I come in it feels like home. From the decorations to the friendly staff, The Moscow Alehouse is able to create a family-oriented environment that’s easy to come back to and the food is amazing, so that’s a huge plus,” Hilman said.
Smiley Johnson loves what she does and the community she does this in, describing Moscow as “one of the greatest communities ever.”
The Moscow Alehouse offers a wide range of food. From their vegetarian or meat basil pesto ravioli to their famous French fries, the menu has a wide variety and their team strives for fast efficient service.
“No matter the mood you’re in, we have it here,” Smiley Johnson said.
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected]