Sleeping Bear, Meet Slurping Bear

A new Asian eatery debuts in Frankfort

In the heart of downtown Frankfort, a new culinary experience is taking root. Slurping Bear Asian Bistro, the latest creation of Ed Carrella and his business partner Tim Potter, brings a fresh take on Asian-inspired comfort food while honoring the local culture and the legends that shape this unique area.

Carrella’s path to opening Slurping Bear began long before he even considered moving to Frankfort. Raised in a family-owned pizzeria in the South Side of Chicago, Carrella spent much of his childhood immersed in the restaurant world. His parents, immigrants from southern Italy, passed down their love of cooking and the belief that food brings people together.

“The dinner table isn’t just about food,” Carrella reflects. “It’s about the experience, about family and connection.”

After spending years working in restaurants, Carrella and his wife began visiting Frankfort regularly, where her family had a cottage, and the small town became a special getaway. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Carrella, like many in the restaurant business, lost his job as widespread closures took hold.

As Carrella explains, “We became more and more ingrained in the community to the point that Frankfort is the only thing that made sense… I always thought I would end up in a big city, but something about Frankfort is so special.”

In 2021, at the height of the pandemic, Carrella and Potter took a risk and opened Vita Bella Italian Kitchen and Market in Frankfort. Not long after, the duo took on a beloved local institution: Dinghy’s, an iconic town mainstay that came up for sale unexpectedly. When the chance came to open Slurping Bear Asian Bistro in the space once occupied by Vita Bella, Carrella saw it as a chance to further diversify the food scene in the area.

The name Slurping Bear is, of course, a nod to the legend of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, a story that has been woven into the very fabric of the region for over 100 years. In the legend—loosely based on an Ojibwe tale—a mother bear and her cubs fled a wildfire, swimming across Lake Michigan. Tragically, the cubs drowned, but two islands were created in their memory, and the mother bear rests in the sands of the dunes.

“The story holds a dear spot in the hearts of locals and visitors alike,” Carrella says. “I wanted to honor the history and stories that shaped the area.”

Let’s Eat

Inside the restaurant, it should come as no surprise that the space holds the same warmth, care, and attention to detail you’d expect from a warm bowl of pho. You’ll find cozy lighting, the clinking of chopsticks, and plenty of seating overlooking both the marina on one side and downtown on the other.

The menu itself is thoughtfully crafted, blending comforting, familiar flavors with exciting twists that bring new life to old favorites. With a focus on rich, eight-hour broths, fresh ingredients, and homemade touches, every plate celebrates both tradition and innovation.

The fan favorite is the Crispy Citrus Chicken. Batter-fried chicken pieces are drenched in a sweet homemade citrus sauce, served with onions, carrots, mushrooms, red chili peppers, and white rice. In short, this dish is the perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and savory.

The must-try app award has to go to the Potstickers. A true classic that won’t steer you wrong, these pork-filled dumplings are served with ponzu sauce. For a light bite, try the Pork Belly Bao Bun, which is slow-roasted in-house and accompanied by a touch of pickle, pickled carrots, cilantro, sweet ponzu sauce, and sesame seeds. Warning: you might come in for one and leave having tried all four kinds (including fried chicken, tempura shrimp, and tofu)!

And don’t sleep (get it?) on the ramen or the pho. With several made-from-scratch ramen options—slow-cooked to perfection with that eight-hour broth and homemade noodles—this might be the hardest decision you make all day. Whether you go for the Tonkotsu Ramen with fresh noodles, soy-marinated soft-poached egg, and bamboo shoots, or the spicy Spicy Miso Ramen with kimchi, each bowl is a comforting masterpiece. Meanwhile, the pho features a rich beef broth with thinly sliced beef, rice noodles, bean sprouts, carrots, and red chilies—ideal for those craving something hearty.

For dessert, you have two options: 5-Spice Cake (Chinese five-spice, apples, cinnamon, and ginger frosting) or the Matcha Tiramisu. For the latter, who doesn’t love a unique spin on an Italian classic? The bistro chose to incorporate matcha mascarpone cream and Vietnamese coffee-soaked ladyfingers, dusted with pistachio powder to add some lightness and spice. It’s a refreshing and indulgent way to end your meal.

Carrella and Potter’s vision for the bistro goes beyond serving delicious food. As Carrella says, “We wanted to create a place where people feel at home, where they can come together, share a meal, and make memories.”

Find Slurping Bear at 320 Main Street in Frankfort. (231) 399-0058; slurpingbear.com

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