Meet Dimitry Goyfman of Downtown Rochester, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dimitry Goyfman

Hi Dimitry, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
O’Connor’s Public House opened it’s doors Downtown Rochester, MI in March 2005 in the historic building of the former Mitzelfeld’s Department Store. First known as Gus O’Connor’s the pub was designed and built by the Preirie Pub Company, one of only five Guinness approved authentic Irish Pub builders in the world. The finished pub was shipped to the states and reassembled in the historical downtown district of Rochester Michigan.

At O’Connor’s we are telling the story of Ireland’s rich history. We celebrate the public house culture, a culture of hospitable surroundings, good food, good drinks and friendly conversation what we call “Craic”.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
During the time O’Connor’s has been downtown Rochester we have seen a lot change. During the time of the major Main St. road construction was a very hard time for any business to survive in downtown while the whole road was closed for a very long time. Being on Main St. this is where almost all of our business comes from. And just a few years ego the Pandemic we where forced to close and figure out how to survive. During this time we did a lot of carryout and catering business, came up with fun holiday cocktail carryout program that our customers loved.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I started in this industry by accident, I was 19 and was looking for a job and seen a now hiring sign at a Ruby Tuesday and figured I would give it a shot. I got hired there as a server then worked in a couple other restaurants, including Bravo in Rochester Hills. During my time at Bravo I fell in love with this industry and what it represents. With this company I grew in to a corporate training role where I traveled around the country and helped open new locations.
I started working at Gus O’Connor’s a couple years it was open as a Bartender / Bar Manager. At this time the Pub was not doing well after being open a couple years. I was hired to help turn the business around and I seen great potential being form the community and growing up here. I have been here for now 16 years and 6 years ego I bought 49% of the shares in the company.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
In December 2023 we opened our second location Gus Snug Irish Pub in Downtown, Clawson MI. This is a sister Pub to O’Connor’s carrying it’s origenal Gus’ history.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oconnrosrochester.com / www.gussnug.com