In February 1989, Rogue founder Jack Joyce was passing through Newport, Oregon, in search of the perfect place for a new Rogue pub. An unusual snowstorm stranded Jack along Newport’s Historic Bay Front. Seeking shelter, he wandered into Mo’s Chowder where he met the founder, Mohava Niemi. Extending her signature hospitality, Mo welcomed him to the city with her famous clam chowder. Over a bowl, she shared her dream of living above a bar and described the perfect spot for the next Rogue Ales Brew Pub. Mo offered her large vacant space and garage to Jack at a very generous price under two stipulations:
- A picture of Mo herself, naked in a bathtub be forever displayed at the pub. (You can find one today behind the bar at every Rogue Ales Public House.)
- “Feed the Fishermen,” Mo’s way of saying give back to the local community. Mo believed that when times were tough you took care of your own and when times were good they’d take care of you. In this spirit Rogue continues the tradition of giving that began in 1988.