On behalf of the Cairns, Cox, and extended family within Sleder’s Family Tavern, we are saddened to share the news that our patriarch Brian Cairns at age 82 passed away on July 14, 2022. Brian was an extraordinary husband, father, step-father, grandfather, businessman, mentor, and dear friend to many.
Brian and his wife Deb purchased Sleder’s in 1992 and were married on the Sleder’s porch. They owned and operated the historic restaurant for 28 years and lived in the apartment above the saloon. With Brian’s two children and Deb’s three, they became a blended family that grew to include their children’s partners and four grandchildren.
Each of their children and grandchildren has worked at Sleder’s at one time. Today, you’ll see his oldest granddaughter Madison behind the bar and younger grandchildren at the host station or in the kitchen. Brian’s oldest daughter, me, Chrissine, manages the marketing and waters the flowers, and since 2020, Brian’s step-son Ryan Cox and his wife Megan have owned and operated the business, so Brian’s legacy lives on. “Never change a machine that works well; just maintain it,” said Brian in 1992, and in tune with this enduring motto, his “maintain, don’t change” stewardship continues under the Coxes.
Brian’s restaurant career began in 1963 after earning a BA in Hospitality Business from MSU. In 1969 he moved to Traverse City and bought the first fast food burger restaurant on Front Street, the Burger Chef, which employed many high school students during the 70s. He would forever after run into people with stories of when they worked for him at the Burger Chef. In 1971, Brian was the president of the Traverse City Chapter of the Michigan Restaurant Association, and over the next twenty years, he would enjoy a career as the general manager of three different Northern Michigan ski resorts, most notably, Sugar Loaf Mountain Resort and Conference Center in Cedar.
During his working days, he believed in getting the job done and lending a hand wherever it was needed. If that meant cooking on the line or traying plates, he would do that. If that meant cleaning rooms with the housekeeping staff, he would do that. If that meant hopping on a snowmobile at 4 a.m. to fix a snowmaking machine, he would put on his boots and do that. He knew what needed to be done and made it happen. He had high expectations, and he led with vigor and by example.
You wouldn’t always know it by his intensity or quick stride to get where he was going, but he also had a big and generous heart. He valued the people around him. Each time that he moved onto a new position, he brought many along. Even our Sleder’s General Manager of 30 years, Beth Schram, originally worked for him at Sugar Loaf. And way back when he left one resort to manage another, he brought with him his management team and the house band. He appreciated live music. When he and Deb bought Sleder’s, he partnered with a local music promoter to host 20 years of concerts on the Sleder’s porch. Maybe in Brian’s name, we should bring back the music on the porch!
Brian will be remembered and missed each and every day by his former employees, his friends, and most of all, his wife, dog, children, and his whole extended family who remain at Sleder’s carrying on his legacy of excellent hospitality, good food, good times, and memories that continue.
Thank you, Brian, dad. Rest in Peace.
5 comments
Comment by M J & Vivian Dietrich
M J & Vivian Dietrich Author
September 24, 2024 at 1:11 pm
Our sincere condolences in the memory of Brian. Sleder’s has a proud American linkage to our heritage.
The Sleder’s Tavern: our “Burfiend” family visited Louie Sleder’s bar since it first opened in 1880’s. Burfiends were one of the first German settlers to Leelanau county, first as pioneer guides 1840-50s, then fisherman with a large warf/dock at Port Oneida to supply commercial shipping, and followed by farmers with deed [signed by President Lincoln] containing over a mile of Lake Michigan waterfront. The federal government with Eminent domain incorporated their farms into a park in the early 70’s.
My great-great-Grandfather Carsten Burfiend was a friend of Louie; GGGpa played cards & pool, caroused, laughed and made business deals at “Louie Sleder’s Bar”. My great-grandfather Peter was also a frequent Sleder customer. My grand-father Howard was a friend during prohibition and until his passing in 1977. He would weekly dress to the 9’s go to town and culminate at Louie Sleders.
Louie Sleders had a reputation for clean, safe whiskey, coldest beer, lovely ladies, and all around good time!
In late 60’s and 70’s, GPa would take my brother and me with him (we would stay in the back room). Great memories.
In summer 2025, we will bring our extended family back to Glen Arbor to see The family farm and also visit The Sleder Tavern—-to reminisce family lore.
Very respectfully yours,
M J Dietrich, 703.507.1003
Comment by J. Conrad Guest
J. Conrad Guest Author
August 23, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Condolences for your loss.
I have not been to Traverse City since the mid-80s. I lived there for a time in the late ’70s when I worked for the local radio station. I can’t recall the call letters. I took one of your waitresses—a beautiful brunette—to Interlochen to see Madama Butterfly. Wonderful memories of Sleder’s. Returned in the mid-80s and found the town had became a little too touristy for my taste. But I must get back before I pass to the other side of the Great Divide.
Comment by Linda-LEON Lichty
Linda-LEON Lichty Author
July 27, 2022 at 11:47 am
We are saddened to hear Brian has passed away . Brian has had quite the legacy, but the two of you made a fabulous team ! Sleders is such a beloved establishment with so much history and beautiful memories to it !👍🙏❤️Our sympathy to all of your families 🙏🙏🙏
Comment by Anne Jodway Peters
Anne Jodway Peters Author
July 27, 2022 at 12:11 am
To Deb and Family, our sincere condolences. We only had to opportunity to visit with Brian a few times, but always enjoyed those visits. He will be missed and forever lovingly remembered.❤🙏
Comment by Dianne & Ron Alderink
Dianne & Ron Alderink Author
July 26, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Beautiful tribute to our brother-in-law. Thank you Chrissine, and love to the entire family. Brian left quite a legacy.