Staffing issues. Bobby could never, ever keep a brewer on his staff. Never. Sure, the second generation Brockmiller was a great guy and loyal to the end (he was there up until the very last day), but Bobby never allowed him to develop as a brewer. Truly, anyone that came through Michigan Brewing that tried to grow as a brewer were quickly driven out by Bobby and his micromanaging theatrics.
And the rest of the staff. Bobby paid sh*t wages, and thus got a sh*t staff, folks that were not well kept, well mannered, or the least bit professional. Sure, there was the occasional bright and professional bar maid or server, but that was rare.
And the menu....average at best. When MBC moved to the new facility, there was the chance to install a real kitchen, put some real food on the menu, and make it a destination. Nope. We'll stick with the lousy sandwiches and canned soups. (Anyone remember Laura's Five Candle White Chicken Chili from the old place?)
And the ambiance, or lack of it. The bar and immediate pub area were OK, but rest of the joint reminded you of a friggin' church basement, and there were zero efforts to change that. Who wants to relax in someplace with linoleum floors, painted walls, and ceiling tiles? Institutional yuck.
And that "patio". Right out in the blazing sun on a concrete slab, sure, let's roast the guests like sun dried tomatoes.
And the wood fired pizzas...and the barbeque that never was...and on and on and on until he pissed it all away.