About

Owner and operator of Havel’s Northland Grill and Lounge for forty-five years, David began his career working at the establishment before eventually purchasing it from his father. Known initially as Havel’s Northland Bar, the business evolved as the demand for food outpaced the demand for alcohol, transforming it into what it is today, the “Grill and Lounge.” The establishment has remained in the Havel family since 1956 and is currently owned and operated by David’s son, also named David.
Dave Sr. always worked a second job, which he considered his physical escape from the stresses of management and paperwork. For ten years, he mowed lawns while still maintaining 50-hour workweeks behind the bar or in the kitchen. After stepping away from lawn care, he turned to cutting and selling firewood for the same reason and continues to do some of that work to this day.
A lifelong pool enthusiast, Dave has both loved and promoted the game throughout his adult life. He has competed in tournaments from Las Vegas to Pennsylvania and across his home state of Michigan. His commitment to community service is equally impressive. Dave spent ten years as a volunteer firefighter, served twelve years on the board of directors at an affordable retirement living facility, and dedicated twenty-five years to the board of a local credit union. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors, horseback riding, hunting, hiking, fishing, or four-wheeling whenever he can. Dave has been married to his wife, Renee, for nearly five decades.