Today we’d like to introduce you to Niko And Mary Negas.
Hi Niko and Mary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Plenty of men and women may say they married the person of their dreams, but Niko and Mary mean it in quite the literal sense. As a child, Niko suffered a recurring nightmare in which a T-Rex burst through his bedroom window (bear with us). Eventually, he learned to take control of this dream, and would escape his home and be rescued by a passing plane—of which the pilot was a vividly beautiful woman with long red hair.
Around this same time, 860 miles away, Mary was also having recurring dreams that included a man with kind green eyes. Of all the dreams she had ever had, those green eyes stood out more prominently than anything else her subconscious could conjure up.
Fast forward 28 years. Niko, grief-stricken from a deep personal loss, was out with a friend trying to keep his mind occupied. They decided to visit a tavern Niko had never been to. From across the bar, he laid eyes on a beautiful woman with long red hair—the same woman who had rescued him in his dreams all those years ago. It could only be her. Upon this realization, he recalls literally losing his breath.
Meanwhile, Mary was scanning her customers in the tavern, when she spotted a flash of green from a pair of the kindest eyes she had ever seen sitting at the bar. They were focused on her, and she knew in that moment those were the eyes from her dreams. It was at this moment, each of them accepting the unexplainable yet undeniable. The rest, as they say, is history.
With such a unique story that served to spark the love they have built for each other in the years since, Niko and Mary have an unwavering appreciation for the unexplainable and mystical. Love is a powerful thing, and they want to help enrich the love story of as many couples as they can. That’s the driving force behind opening Union Mills Public House and pouring so much of their hearts, passion, and energy into it.
Magic may not exist in a literal sense, but Niko and Mary’s unique love story will make you question whether that’s really true. This power couple has used their tale—as well as years of hospitality experience—as a springboard for creating the ultimate wedding venue—one that will foster mystical memories for every couple who celebrates their unique story, their love for each other, within it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A road worth traveling is seldom ever smooth. Mary and Niko both operated Roasthouse Pub on Urbana Pike in Frederick for years before getting Union Mills Public House started. With Mary as the Owner and Niko as the Executive Chef, they not only operated the Pub, but also had a stand at the Frederick Keys Stadium, along with their own Food Truck. When COVID occured, restaurants were among the worst to be hit the hardest. Roasthouse Pub was no exception. While other restaurants were closing or laying off staff, Niko and Mary looked to their own creativity rather than do what everyone else was doing. By using their Food Truck to operate as a pop-up kitchen, they were eventually able to get into online ordering. This practical and tech-savvy approach not only allowed the Pub to continue operating, but it allowed it to flourish after the restrictions of COVID ceased. Union Mills Public House had actually been planned since before COVID, but the restrictions held up the construction renovation for years. It wasn’t until the COVID restrictions lifted, that the renovation could be completed, allowing for Union Mills Public House to finally begin its operations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Mary and I have never been partial to having cookie cutter menus. With 30 years of catering experience, a commercial kitchen, and liquor license, we provide a fully customized experience. We love designing each couple’s menu because the food you are providing and sharing with our family and friends should speak to both of you. Food will also be something your guests will remember, so make it memorable with your twist! We are proud of this menu customization process, as it sets us apart from many other caterers!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Niko was a very active young man growing up. He played basketball, baseball, and was an accomplished swimmer. He swam competitively at his local YMCA and was even a lifeguard in Ocean City. As he grew older, he became a guitar player, singer, and songwriter with his local band.
Mary has always been kind growing up, giving her a natural affinity with customer service.
Pricing:
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Contact Info:
- Website: https://unionmillspublichouse.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unionmillspublichouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Union-Mills-Public-House-106335101493866
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/UMPHFrederick
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/enKp19yX8_U?si=tPv79uYWZNWtWKqx
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/unionmillspublichouse/
