In Fond du Lac, the Main Exchange was a beloved establishment located at 161 S. Main St., serving the community for 35 years. Initially built in 1874, the building has a rich history, having originally housed a tavern and a cigar factory on the upper level. It transitioned to the Main Exchange in 1979, when Chuck Boyd, along with his wife Patty and sister Carol, acquired the establishment, renaming it after extensive renovations that preserved significant elements like the oak back bar and tin accents.
For several years, the venue featured a dance hall, showcasing Boyd’s own country-swing band. The bar was well-known for its unique cocktails, such as the Purple Haze and Yellow Belly Sapsuckers. In the 1980s, the upstairs room was converted into a restaurant that drew large lunchtime crowds with its menu of sandwiches, soups, and mesquite-broiled steaks.
The Boyd family invested in various real estate projects, notably revamping historic downtown areas, including another notable establishment that became a popular nightlife spot, originally named After Dark and later rebranded as The Hippo.
In 2008, Boyd’s plans to expand the Main Exchange were thwarted by a combination of adverse conditions, including floods, economic downturns, and health issues, leading to its eventual closure in 2014 due to insufficient patronage. The building remained vacant for several years until it was purchased by Laurie and Dan Baumhardt in 2017. They undertook significant renovations to restore the structure, adding industrial decor while maintaining its historical essence.
The Baumhardts opened Brick House, which has since become a popular gastropub featuring a diverse menu and a rotating selection of desserts. Brick House continues to draw crowds, honoring the legacy of Main Exchange while establishing its own identity in the Fond du Lac dining scene.
For more on Fond du Lac’s history and local establishments, check out the Fond du Lac Reporter.