Jay Janicek and his business partner Sam Munguia have been the owners of the Summit Public House, a local gem of the Capitol Hill community, for the past 20 years. Their climb, marked by perseverance and a deep love for their neighborhood, started before they became owners. “We took it over in 2004, on St Patrick’s Day they handed us the keys,” Janicek recalls. Over the years, the neighborhood has transformed dramatically, but Summit Pub has remained the local watering hole.

In 2004, Summit Avenue was a different place. “There were no other bars here at all, just Top Pot Donuts, a pizza place next door, and a bookstore,” Janicek reminisces. Today, Summit Pub is surrounded by a variety of establishments, making it a bustling hub of activity. Despite the changes, Summit Pub has thrived, with Janicek attributing their success to consistency and careful management.

“We’re pretty consistent. We have really good local beers and things on tap, and we don’t run out of anything.”

Running a neighborhood bar on one of Capitol Hill’s ridges for two decades was not without challenges. Janicek highlights the importance of sound financial management. “Owners tend to take money. They’re like, ‘Oh, look at the bank account. Let’s take some money.’ But they don’t account for, ‘Hey, I got rent coming up. I got excise tax. I got payroll.'” This practical approach has allowed Summit Pub not only to survive but to expand. They acquired the Alibi Room in 2007, a move that further solidified their standing in Seattle’s bar scene.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a particularly tough period for bars but Summit Pub managed to weather the storm. “We got the government PPP and those kinds of things, and paid our rent and paid, you know, some money to payroll and got the bills paid,” Janicek said. The support from their landlord and the resilience of the community played crucial roles in their recovery.

Community has also helped. “Our prices are still below what you’ll find everywhere else. We’re not trying to rip people off,” Janicek says. This approach has fostered a loyal customer base, with the owner noting Summit has “at least 500 regulars.” The pub has always been more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s an extension of people’s living rooms, a place where everyone knows each other, and the regulars feel a sense of ownership and pride.

In March, Summit Pub celebrated its 20th anniversary with a big party featuring a special collaboration brew called “Summit Life,” created with Georgetown Brewery and E9. “They did a beer with our logo on it. It’s really good. It’s got three types of hops in it, including Citra,” Janicek said. The event was a testament to their lasting relationships with local breweries and the community’s love for the pub. Too bad they sold every drop of the batch.

The future of Summit Pub is bright, with plans to enhance their outdoor seating options further. “We just got approved for a parklet,” Janicek announces. This new addition will provide more outdoor space for patrons, a reflection of the evolving preferences for al fresco dining. The city, which has become more accommodating of such initiatives post-COVID, has been supportive.

Jay and Sam are also considering bringing back block parties, which were a big hit in the past. “We had a stage set up right here…we had big troughs outside, and it was really cool. There’s a lot of bands and came through,” Janicek said. Although the logistics and expenses are challenging, the idea remains on the table as a way to give back to the community.

The demographic shifts in the neighborhood are evident, with more affluent residents moving in, altering the customer base. However, Summit Pub remains committed to maintaining its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. “You can sit in your apartment and you can drink your six-pack that you paid $15 for, or you come down here and you pay more, but you’re not gonna get laid if you just sit in your apartment,” Janicek quips.

Jay and Sam started as roommates at the University of Washington and their shared ventures have only grown since. At Summit, Janicek handles the finances, while Munguia is the handyman, fixing everything from fridges to margarita machines. Their complementary skills have been instrumental in their success. “We save tons of money that way. I mean, tens of thousands of dollars a year because, you know, everything gets beat up,” Janicek said.

Summit Pub’s journey over the past 20 years is a reflection of the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of Capitol Hill. With a focus on local brews, community engagement, and a welcoming atmosphere, Jay and Sam have created a space that feels like home for many. As they celebrate two decades of success, their eyes are set on the future, ready to embrace whatever comes next while staying true to their start. Here’s to another 20 years of Summit Pub, where consistency and community are always on tap.

The Summit Public House is located at 601 Summit Ave E. Learn more at facebook.com/summitpublichouse.

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