Bay View Grille

Dec. 12, 2010

Bay View Grille offers harborside dining in Frankfort
By Danielle Horvath
When Dale Evans and Jill Weide were looking for a place to retire and play golf, they considered warmer climes like Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, and even checked out Costa Rica, before settling for the small town ambience of Frankfort.
“We walked around the town in December, with the snow coming down, and it was so peaceful and beautiful. We decided this was where we wanted to be,” Dale said. They also changed their minds about playing golf and decided to purchase a restaurant with a great view of Betsie Bay. “The view was there, all we had to do was add the good food and affordable price.”
Last May, after a complete renovation of the long-established dining spot, formerly known as Harbor Shores and then Celia’s, the couple opened Bay View Grille. Right on Main Street and with a new outdoor patio overlooking the harbor, the combination diner/luncheonette/coffeehouse has been a hit with the locals as a meeting spot.
“We were amazed at how many people come from all over the world to visit here and say this is one of the best parts of their summer and how they wish they could live here full time,” Jill said of their busy summer season.
The new owners have earned a loyal following using local products whenever possible, smoking their own meats right out front, and making meals from scratch. They work closely with local farmers and growers for their needs.
“We are hoping to find local suppliers that can continue to meet our need, like fresh eggs through the winter,” Dale said. With a full service coffee bar, they serve local Higher Grounds Coffee and Light of Day Teas, local maple syrup and honey, meats and fresh produce, when available. The Bay View Grille is getting known for their hearty breakfasts, homemade waffles, pastries and pasta, homemade soups, stacked sandwiches, tasty dinners and specialty desserts including New Orleans beignets.
“Everyone has been so friendly and worked with us in every way,” Dale added, “It’s not just about eating out here; it’s an outing. It’s meeting friends and a chance to re-connect with the community. We feel lucky to be a part of it.”
They employed over 40 people during the summer season and are hoping to avoid laying off any more for the winter by hosting events, offering more specials and adding menu choices the locals have asked for.
The Bay View Grille prides itself on offering a menu of affordable, family friendly choices like $1.99 breakfasts, soup and ½ sandwich for $4.95 and dinners under $15. For more information, to check on specials or upcoming events, call 231-352-8050. Free Wi-Fi is available, winter hours are Mon, Tues, Wed 7-3, Thurs & Fri 7-9 and Sunday 7-5, check them out online at
www.bayviewgrille.com
Bay View Grille
offers harborside dining in Frankfort

By Danielle Horvath

When Dale Evans and Jill Weide were looking for a place to retire and play golf, they considered warmer climes like Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, and even checked out Costa Rica, before settling for the small town ambience of Frankfort.
“We walked around the town in December, with the snow coming down, and it was so peaceful and beautiful. We decided this was where we wanted to be,” Dale said. They also changed their minds about playing golf and decided to purchase a restaurant with a great view of Betsie Bay. “The view was there, all we had to do was add the good food and affordable price.”
Last May, after a complete renovation of the long-established dining spot, formerly known as Harbor Shores and then Celia’s, the couple opened Bay View Grille. Right on Main Street and with a new outdoor patio overlooking the harbor, the combination diner/luncheonette/coffeehouse has been a hit with the locals as a meeting spot.
“We were amazed at how many people come from all over the world to visit here and say this is one of the best parts of their summer and how they wish they could live here full time,” Jill said of their busy summer season.
The new owners have earned a loyal following using local products whenever possible, smoking their own meats right out front, and making meals from scratch. They work closely with local farmers and growers for their needs.
“We are hoping to find local suppliers that can continue to meet our need, like fresh eggs through the winter,” Dale said. With a full service coffee bar, they serve local Higher Grounds Coffee and Light of Day Teas, local maple syrup and honey, meats and fresh produce, when available. The Bay View Grille is getting known for their hearty breakfasts, homemade waffles, pastries and pasta, homemade soups, stacked sandwiches, tasty dinners and specialty desserts including New Orleans beignets.
“Everyone has been so friendly and worked with us in every way,” Dale added, “It’s not just about eating out here; it’s an outing. It’s meeting friends and a chance to re-connect with the community. We feel lucky to be a part of it.”
They employed over 40 people during the summer season and are hoping to avoid laying off any more for the winter by hosting events, offering more specials and adding menu choices the locals have asked for.
The Bay View Grille prides itself on offering a menu of affordable, family friendly choices like $1.99 breakfasts, soup and ½ sandwich for $4.95 and dinners under $15. For more information, to check on specials or upcoming events, call 231-352-8050. Free Wi-Fi is available, winter hours are Mon, Tues, Wed 7-3, Thurs & Fri 7-9 and Sunday 7-5, check them out online at
www.bayviewgrille.com