Wolverine Romp on Saturday Makes for a Busy Night at Mac's In Saline on Sunday

Bob Rash plans to keep on cheering for University of Michigan football wins. But if they could they let the other team into the end zone from time-to-time, he wouldn’t mind.

Rash is owner of in Saline. His loyal customers and their friends enjoyed 58 percent off their check Sunday courtesy of the Michigan’s 58-0 drubbing of Minnesota Saturday.

It’s a promotion that Rash calls the “Margin of Victory.” However many points the Wolverines win by on Saturday, that’s the percentage that will be knocked off the following Sunday dinner bill.

“We started this to increase Sunday business last year,” said Rash. “We wanted to do something to make our Sunday’s more like Fridays and Saturdays.”

It works.

Typically, on a Sunday, Mac’s serves 80 to 120 customers from an Acadian-inspired seafood menu.

Last week, they served over 250 customers.

Paul Borger, a regular at Mac’s, was one the customers who took advantage of the discount.

“I come here regularly. When I got the email that told me about the 58 percent discount, it was extra incentive to come out and bring some friends,” said Borger. “Michigan won. The Lions won. The Tigers are winning. And I have a discount to eat at my favorite spot in Saline. What else can I ask for?”

It’s the kind of good vibe that Mac’s is going for, because when you knock 58 percent off the check,, it’s difficult to make money. And it’s also difficult to coordinate extra staff at the last minute.

“But there are other things we value. This is a great public relations tool. It’s great for the neighborhood and we’re supporting the university. And, look, we’re full and people who are having a great time,” Rash said. “All of those things have a certain value that may not show up in the cash register.”

Still, Rash admits to some anxiety as the Wolverines ran up the score.  When Minnesota was threatening to score late in the game, Wolverine Brennan Beyer forced a fumble that was recovered by teammate Courtney Avery, who sprinted down the field for one of the longest fumble touchdown runs in team history.

“Yeah, I have to admit, I flinched. That was essentially a 14 point swing,” said Rash.

Or 14 percent on a Sunday dinner bill.

But Rash bucked up.

“I still cheered, ‘Go Blue,’ though,” he said. “We’re happy to have a victory and we’ll keep cheering them on. But I can't say I’ll root for a 58-point victory every week.”

Mac’s is located at 104 E. Michigan Ave., in historic Murphy’s Crossing, just 15 minutes south of Michigan Stadium. To make reservations, call 734-944-6227 or visit the website.