The newest Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce Board Director

ALGOMA – Jessica Aldama, owner of Red’s Pub and Grill, is the newest local business owner to join the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce as a board director.

Aldama bought Red’s Pub and Grill in Sept. of 2023, the culmination of her journey working in her parents’ restaurant since age 11 to becoming a business owner.

“I purchased and became the sole owner of Red’s Pub and Grill when I was 22 years old. I did it all myself and six days later, I turned 23,” she said.

Aldama grew up working at her parents’ restaurants, starting in Elkhorn, Wis. in 2011, where she said the value of hard work was emphasized.

“Busser, waitress, dishwasher, prep, cook, anything and everything you can think of, as far as restaurant positions I had growing up, especially with my parents’ restaurant,” Aldama said of her childhood. In those positions, she discovered a passion for hospitality. “It’s something that I grew to love, especially the interactions I have with customers. They no longer are customers. They gradually become like family.”

Aldama’s family moved to Algoma in 2018 when her parents became owners of Dairy Dean’s Family Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor. She continued to work at the restaurant while attending high school, where Aldama said it wasn’t easy to make friends but she still formed important relationships.

“I was there my senior year of high school, so I didn’t really grow as many friendships,” Aldama said. “But everyone was kind and welcoming.”

Some people from AHS stood out to Aldama thanks to their kindness.

“The teachers were amazing. I had a teacher named Mrs. Pairolero. She was my English teacher, and that class really helped me grow and made me more comfortable in my skin. She gave me a lot of guidance, and I’m very appreciative of her,” Aldama said.
Despite Aldama’s many years in the restaurant business, she said Red’s is different — and not only because she is the owner.

“I wanted to challenge myself with not just getting a restaurant, but a bar and grill. As far as a bar I had no experience, but I wanted to take on the challenge and see where that would lead me,” Aldama said. “The restaurant is a great place for interaction with customers. But I feel like being behind the bar, you just go a little deeper in the conversation.”

That conversation — and opportunity for connection — is what drew Aldama to hospitality, and it’s continued to manifest in her desire to join the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce. Aldama joined the Board of Directors in February of this year, and she said she’s excited to continue to forge connections and help keep Algoma a welcoming community and tourist destination.

“I wanted to pay it back. It’s just a lovely community, so welcoming, and I wanted to help do that for anyone that wants to visit,” Aldama said.

Among those connections Aldama has made on the board of directors includes another former teacher.

“Alex Van Lanen was my teacher at AHS, but people on the board who are there with me for the chamber meetings, you just grow to see them in a different light,” she said. “And it’s great, because it’s like, whoa. I didn’t know I could approach them, but in reality, they’re super approachable, really kind and all they want to do is make you comfortable.”

Aldama said working with President of the Chamber Jennifer Highland has been particularly special.

“[Highland] is just a great leader. She was the previous owner of Red’s Pub and Grill, and she was a huge help in the transition,” Aldama said. “She showed me the ropes before even getting into it, and it was fantastic. She’s amazing. She will also be performing at Red’s on Wednesday, June 18.”

Aldama said working with the chamber and advertising Algoma’s charm has reminded her to take a break and get out of the restaurant sometimes to appreciate everything the city has to offer.

“As I continue to work, I do try to enjoy moments here and there and explore Algoma. I love to eat at our local restaurants and bars. I love going to Crescent Beach — it’s just so amazing and beautiful,” Aldama said.

Besides Red’s and Dairy Dean’s, Aldama has a few other favorite restaurants.

“I love going to 311 and Pizza Bowl. Millie’s is great, and I love going to the North Water Bakery. Red’s actually gets all our bread from North Water,” she said.

As a local business owner and now member of the chamber, Aldama said she looks forward to the challenges ahead and hopes to help Algoma flourish in the coming years.

“Something that I’m looking forward to, hopefully we can portray the message that Algoma is so friendly, very welcoming. And that’s my goal, to continue to advertise and get people to come visit our beautiful small town,” she said.