*A beloved Southwest Michigan venue honored by the community and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has found new stewards as the Smallcombe family purchases The Lucky Wolf from founder Jason Deibler-Love.*

The change of ownership comes months after Deibler-Love's wife India died unexpectedly in November 2023, leaving her husband to carry on a business she helped build into a thriving community gathering place.

"Much of how we feel comforted is because of what we've created," Deibler-Love said. "This one lady came in, she must be 60 years old, and she's just like, 'I come every week now. I followed what you guys are doing, and I didn't come in. And then India died, and it broke my heart.' She goes, 'I wrestled with depression, and I still do. I come here every week now, and I'm so sad that I missed it before, and never came earlier. But I always wanted to.' And now she's literally here every week, and it's just amazing."

The new owners — Caden, Colin, Nate and Karen Smallcombe — will assume full control later this month while honoring the venue's legacy and continuing its mission of bringing entertainment and community to Paw Paw.

FROM CHURCH TO VENUE

The Lucky Wolf occupies the historic Paw Paw Village Playhouse, originally built as a Baptist Church in 1857. Bill Hawley purchased the property in 1970 and added 20 feet to the back to create a theater space. Deibler-Love and his wife India purchased the building and transformed it into the venue they know today.

"We moved to Paw Paw because we had found an old house up here that she was in love with," Deibler-Love said. "And then we discovered Paw Paw, and discovered that Michigan has winerys… And with all the climate change (Southwest Michigan) is becoming a really hot spot for wine."

The couple opened The Lucky Wolf in September 2022, emphasizing entertainment alongside local coffee, wine and vegan and gluten-free food options. They renovated the space, tearing out walls and repainting everything in partnership with Green Glass Coffee Company.

Their shared success became tragically bittersweet when India died unexpectedly in November 2023. Deibler-Love said employees who had left for college flew in within three days for the celebration of life because "I'm who I am because of what India did for us, and what you guys gave us here."

STATE SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS

The venue received $92,591 in RAP 1.0 grant funds through a subgrant submitted by Southwest Michigan First and supported by Market One, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Revitalization and Placemaking program.

"It allowed our first full operating year in 2024 to utilize our full theater systems and livestreaming options, outdoor seating and ADA access to the cafe," Deibler-Love said. "Having all of this was integral in our story. I wanted to thank the MEDC for their support for our improvements at The Lucky Wolf. With the help of RAP 1.0 funds, we have been able to welcome people from all walks of life because of the improvements, including the first ADA ramp into this 1857 building!"

WHAT'S NEXT

The Smallcombe family plans to expand the venue's reach and bring in more artists, comics and entertainment. They want to build on the vision of The Lucky Wolf's founders while carrying forward India Love's legacy.

"We're here because people supported and helped us, so let's continue to do that," Deibler-Love said.

The venue continues to host local musicians, comedians and theater productions. Upcoming events include The Midnight Ride of Sybil Ludington on May 4-5, blues-rock artists Brother Jefferson and Dean Madonia on May 10, comedian Jeff Leeson on May 16, and local musicians Jordan Hamilton, Normal Mode and Brandon Fitzpatrick on May 18 as part of a partnership with Sounds of the Zoo.

The Lucky Wolf is located at 404 E. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • May 4-5: The Midnight Ride of Sybil Ludington
  • May 10: Brother Jefferson and Dean Madonia
  • May 16: Comedian Jeff Leeson
  • May 18: Jordan Hamilton, Normal Mode, Brandon Fitzpatrick (Sounds of the Zoo partnership)

For more information, visit The Lucky Wolf's website or call (269) 913-4153.