The Big Yellow House was originally built in 1898 by Monroe H. Sprague of the Akeley-Sprague Lumber Co. as a private residence.

The history of the next 30-40 years is unclear, however local elders share tales of a speakeasy, brothel, and hostel! Many of our more colorful characters share stories of liquor and beer arriving by boat to Bayfield during prohibition finding it’s way to our basement with was allegedly home to the occasional poultry fight.

While the bar graced the Southern most wall of todays current dining room, a stage proudly lived on the north-western stair landing. This was a favorite watering hole among many Northland College students.

While the bar graced the Southern most wall of todays current dining room, and a stage proudly lived on the north-western stair landing this was a favorite watering hole among many Northland College students.

Owned by Ben’s Aunt Annette & Uncle Jimmy, Ben took several of his very first steps here!

Mike & Wendy Mierrotto purchased Old Dairy Airport & the Big Yellow House in the mid 90’s.

Country Kids Daycare moved to the Big Yellow House in the late 90’s.

The second story home and first floor daycare remained vacant for several years before being purchased as a private residence once again.

In 2008, the original Good Thyme Restaurant on Bayfield Street was lost to a fire on March 19h.

In July 2008, Renee Holman and friends purchased the Big Yellow Home and renovations began to what we know today as the Good Thyme Restaurant.

In December 2008, Good Thyme hosts its first dinner for family & friends on a wood-fired grill! Family & friends enjoyed the first meal in the richly painted and decorated dining room.

Good Thyme is decorated with dozens of water color paintings of the collection of Karyln Holman, Renee’s mother who traveled the world teaching and painting. These travels would later shape what we know today as Foodie Tours, where Renee & Ben travel abroad to wine & dine with guests, family, & friends!

Dozens of world class Foodie Tours with Karlyn & Renee are led, thousands of guests dine Good Thyme Restaurant, and hundreds of weddings and events are catered by the gang!

Renee & Ben remain close friends and in contact regularly about all things hospitality and, of course, Good Thyme!

Renee calls Ben to ask if he wants to purchase Good Thyme & move back home!

Ben calls Renee to say YES & the sale process begins!

Renee host a Dinner to celebrate!

Gary recites a famous “Holman Here” poem to commemorate the transition from Renee to Ben.

Ben with his mother Vicki as Accountant & advisor, father Dave as handy-man extraordinaire & Advisor, takes over Good Thyme Restaurant & Catering!

Sara Bara, Ema, & Noa join the Big Yellow House as their new home!

Ben honors Renee, Karlyn & the history of Good Thyme each evening with stories told over great cocktails & food surrounded by beautiful art!