From downtown Munising to the serene beachfront of 16 Mile Lake, Amy and Billy Jack Gramm have crafted a unique experience shaped by a family legacy of entrepreneurial spirit and genuine hospitality. Reflective of two decades of diligence and hard work, their establishments offer something unlike anything else in the area. Together, they welcome guests to discover the true essence of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where every visit feels like coming home.
Growing up in Munising, Billy Jack was deeply influenced by his family’s business- minded spirit, surrounded by businesses like the Knotty Club, a local bar and nightclub, and the Christmas Mall in nearby Christmas, originally known as Santa’s Reindeer Shop and a gift store. “From my parents’ ventures to my early work with the Ramsey Companies, I’ve been exposed to a variety of businesses,” Billy Jack said. “I’ve always had that itch to carve out our own path.” Together with Amy, their experience managing the Cherrywood Lodge laid the foundation for launching the Snowshoe Inn on 16 Mile Lake in 2002—a venture Billy Jack sees as a natural progression of their industrious journey.
The Gramms infuse their businesses with warmth, hospitality, and a deep-rooted enterprising spirit, attracting travelers from both near and far. The Snowshoe Inn, nestled along the tranquil shores of 16 Mile Lake, and the Upper Peninsula Inspired Winery, located in downtown Munising, demonstrate the Gramms’ commitment to their small town and their passion for showcasing the natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula while highlighting Michiganmade craftsmanship and flavors.
Amy and Billy Jack’s paths converged in Mount Pleasant through their social circle. “We met through mutual friends; Billy Jack’s friend introduced us as he was dating my roommate,” Amy recalls. Despite their different backgrounds – Billy Jack from Munising and Amy originally from downstate – a shared passion for business and community laid the groundwork for their enduring partnership.
“We moved to Munising after Billy Jack’s parents retired. We wanted to be closer to them and Billy wanted to come back home,” Amy shared. She added, “I’ve always enjoyed living in Munising. It’s a close-knit community, and there’s always something happening,” emphasizing the vibrant spirit that makes Munising a special place.
In 2002, Amy and Billy Jack launched a joint venture, opening the Snowshoe Inn on the picturesque 16 Mile Lake. The inn, housed in a bi-level home converted into a deluxe, non-smoking suite, accommodates up to eight guests. Featuring a cozy fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, and outdoor gas grill, the suite offers a comfortable stay with all the amenities of home. Amy, a graduate from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, teaches at Mather Elementary, while Bill works as a corrections officer at the Alger Correctional Facility. Their shared passion for hospitality shines through in every detail of the Snowshoe Inn.
Going beyond traditional accommodations, the Snowshoe Inn provides a range of amenities to enrich guests’ experiences. From kayaks and a pontoon boat to fishing poles and adult life jackets, guests can explore the lake or try fishing right off the dock. As Billy Jack describes it, “It’s like a bed and breakfast without the breakfast.”
The inn’s location enhances its appeal, situated just 12 miles from Munising, close to snowmobile trail #7, and six miles from The Valley Spur ski trail. The Buckhorn Restaurant is also nearby, offering a convenient dining option. Attractions such as Pictured Rocks National Park, various waterfalls, and boat tours of local shipwrecks invite travelers to explore the area’s natural beauty.
Not stopping at the Snowshoe Inn, Amy and Billy Jack expanded their business portfolio in 2015 with the acquisition of the building housing Garden Bay Winery, launching the Upper Peninsula Inspired Winery. This establishment serves as a hub for wine and beer enthusiasts, featuring products from Upper Peninsula wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
Amy shared her inspiration for starting this business with Billy Jack, saying, “We developed the business plan together, and it’s a venture that truly excites me. I enjoy organizing wine and beer tastings, and being food enthusiasts, we’ve incorporated specialty items that we love. It’s another enriching activity people can enjoy in Munising. Plus, I take pride in supporting other small businesses.”
“We offer a variety of wines from different Upper Peninsula wineries, giving customers a taste of the local flavors,” Billy Jack explains, underscoring their commitment to promoting regional wines and beers. “Supporting local wineries and businesses is important to us. We believe in the quality of Upper Peninsula wines and beer and want to share that with our customers,” Billy Jack adds, encapsulating their business philosophy.
Reflecting on the unique climate similarities between Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and France, Billy Jack notes, “Believe it or not, our region’s climate closely mirrors that of France.” He observes that the climate from Traverse City northward, extending to areas not much further north than Escanaba, is very similar to France’s, allowing for the cultivation of French varietals in the Upper Peninsula.
The winery also offers Michigan-made gourmet foods, candies, local honey, jams, maple syrup, and artwork from local artists, adding a cultural dimension to the wine tasting experience. Over the years, Amy and Billy Jack have explored diverse avenues, sourcing unique products to complement their offerings. “We’ve connected with various artisans, from local artists to metal workers to confectioners,” Billy Jack shares. Amy elaborates, “Our research has led us to discover a wide range of products, from pretzels, fudge, sauces, and mustards to maple syrup, honey, balsamic vinegar, and oils.” Billy Jack concludes, “It’s been an exciting journey of exploration, attending trade shows and farmers’ markets across the state, expanding our network, and discovering new products to share with our customers.”
“Our business has grown over the years, and we’re proud to be part of the Munising community,” Billy Jack says. “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and expand our offerings to enhance the customer experience. The recent remodeling is a step in that direction,” he adds.
The recent renovation saw the Gramms give the Upper Peninsula Inspired Winery a complete facelift, drawing inspiration from the intricate designs and colors found on wine bottle labels. This transformation creates an eclectic ambiance that complements the diverse array of products on their shelves. They’ve installed a new bar top to reflect this style and created an outdoor courtyard for patrons to enjoy, reflecting their commitment to providing memorable experiences that showcase Michigan’s Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Billy Jack and Amy Gramm plan to reopen and showcase the remodel on Memorial Day weekend in May. They also intend to extend their offerings by holding classes in the offseason, introducing new Upper Peninsula Inspired adult potations.
With their warm hospitality, dedication to the local area, and passion for showcasing the best of the Upper Peninsula, Amy and Billy Jack Gramm have established two unique businesses that have become integral parts of Munising’s charm.
Their children, Vince and Ellery, have been key contributors to the family business from a young age. Over the last three years, Vince has worked every Wednesday. “He goes in and does stocking, dusting, and other tasks,” said Billy Jack Gramm. Vince has been involved since childhood, starting by handing out chocolates at wine tastings. “They called him the truffle man. He passed out the chocolates at the end of the tasting. That was his job because he was in preschool when he started. He really enjoyed that,” said Amy.
Ellery has also been actively involved in the business like her brother, focusing on tasks away from the alcohol aspect, such as stocking shelves, watering plants, and maintaining cleanliness around the establishment. “Ellery has shown a keen interest in business ownership,” Billy Jack Gramm noted. “She’s always curious about the financial aspects, like the books and margins. Her interest is growing each day.”
While managing the family business can sometimes feel burdensome for the children, limiting their outings or plans due to store needs, Ellery is increasingly drawn to the idea of having her own place one day. “It’s exciting to see her involvement grow as she gets older,” Amy says.
Billy Jack Gramm’s own work experiences in his youth laid a solid foundation for the valuable lessons he’s now passing down to his children. From his early days scooping ice cream and stocking shelves at the Christmas Mall to selecting candy for the store, his eagerness to learn was evident. “I even got to hop on the truck and choose the candy we’d sell,” he said.
At the Knotty Club, Billy Jack played more of a mascot role, limited by his age. “I was too young to dive into the operations,” he admitted. However, these early exposures to the business world set the stage for his future endeavors.
The Ramsey Companies is a cornerstone in Munising, operating a diverse range of businesses that have become local favorites. From the cozy dining ambiance of the Cherrywood Lodge to the comfortable stays at Holiday Inn Express and Beach Inn, their enterprises have enriched the community’s offerings. The Ramsey Companies also oversee popular spots like KOA Campgrounds, Pictured Rocks Gifts, Dog Patch, and Snowmobile Rentals, to name just a few.
The Ramsey family proved instrumental in shaping Billy Jack’s career trajectory. Having worked across a handful of Ramsey Companies, he honed his expertise in the restaurant scene at a Munising favorite, the old Forest Inn Supper Club, which has been closed for the past few decades and was demolished last year. There, he embraced diverse roles, from serving and bartending to managing banquet operations. “Age was never a barrier; if you had the skill set, they trusted you with the responsibility,” he said.
“Oh, he was a really hard working kid— always on time and eager to learn more,” said Bill Ramsey, President of the Ramsey Companies. “That’s how I would sum up Billy Jack Gramm.”
Equally formative were his experiences under the guidance of Dick and Lynn Beckwith. At a mere 16 years old, Billy Jack assumed the role of lead cook at the Buckhorn, mentored by the Beckwiths. “They prioritized skill over age, putting faith in your abilities rather than focusing solely on your age,” says Billy Jack.
In reflecting on those earlier years, Billy Jack expressed deep gratitude, stating, “I owe a great deal to the Ramsey’s, Carn Madigan, and the Beckwith’s for the opportunities they provided me and for imparting invaluable lessons about the restaurant industry.” Today, with his children by his side, he remains committed to passing down these core values, equipping them for their own creative paths.
Ellery and Vince stand ready to carry forward the Gramm family legacy. Their early engagement in the business reflects the Gramms’ resolve to nurture a robust work ethic and go-getting drive in their children.
With a deep-rooted commitment to Munising and family, the Snowshoe Inn and Upper Peninsula Inspired Winery stand as prime examples of the Gramms’ business acumen. Offering a tranquil lakeside retreat and a curated selection of the region’s finest wines, beers and distilleries, these establishments cater to every traveler’s aspirations. Step inside, and you’re sure to meet one of the family members. As Amy and Billy Jack continually innovate and expand their ventures, they collaborate with town stakeholders to further elevate Munising’s charm as an unforgettable destination, enriching experiences for each guest they warmly welcome.
