Dinner, Shopping, and Side of Local History

Locals Lake Leelanau restaurant and retail now open

By Marla Miller | May 17, 2025

Tony West’s vision for Locals Lake Leelanau came to life one night while he was sitting alone in his pole barn.

West used bar napkins and guest checks to write out a business plan for his restaurant concept. The eatery opened May 10 in the old Thunderbird Gift Shop building (formerly home to Northern Latitudes Distillery before their move) at 112 E. Philip St., serving upscale pub-style food in a setting that highlights the history of Lake Leelanau.

A series of synchronicities brought the vision to fruition. West recalls he wrote out his bar napkin business plan in fall of 2023, and he spent 2024 looking for possible locations while he continued to work as director of food and beverage at The Leland Lodge.

“I remember it like it was yesterday putting the dream down on paper,” West recalls. “Every bit of it was just thinking about the local legends and the community members and even the first settlers to this area that really saw the beauty and really forged the path for everyone to enjoy.”

Late last year, West got wind that Northern Latitudes Distillery planned to vacate the old Thunderbird, allowing him to sign a lease. Hannah’s Bakery also closed, and that space now houses the kitchen for Locals Lake Leelanau. The business includes a retail shop and space for outdoor seating and community events behind the building.

Led by head chef Kaden Deatrick and retail manager Taylor Herman, West assembled a team without ever posting an ad. He feels blessed to embark on this new adventure and chase his own dream.

“I know this industry is not easy,” West says. “I have been doing it for a really long time. I know the grind it takes and the passion. The moments that are happening daily are pretty cool to see.”

For example, one day, West walked down into the basement and discovered the old Thunderbird sign and other priceless area relics. And then, while at the Secretary of State registering a Jeep he plans to use for Locals to the Lake delivery service, he asked if the custom license plate “Locals” was available. Sure enough, it was.

“I have had these amazing moments, God moments, and the spirit inside of that and recognizing it has been super emotional,” West says. “At times, I find myself happy crying, crying really grateful tears.”

Homecoming

West graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 2000 and worked in various service industry roles. After a stint out in Colorado, he met his wife while back home visiting and they settled in Lake Leelanau, buying a house there in 2005.

He spent 12 years at The Leland Lodge, overseeing food, beverage and events—deciding to go all in on Locals Lake Leelanau at the end of 2024.

“It feels good to be back home,” he says. “I love Lake Leelanau, and I’m so grateful for this village and this community.”

Beyond the Locals venture, West was recently hired as the head varsity football coach at Suttons Bay High School. He’s also been active in the community, including Lake Leelanau Community Association, Walleye Tournament, Barbecue & Blues Festival, Leland Chamber of Commerce, and Leland Wine & Food Festival.

“I have a deep sense of passion for the community and love being involved in the community,” West says. “It was time to pursue a dream of having my own restaurant and having that opportunity is just a dream come true.”

West credits his family—including wife Kat, his four kids, and their parents and siblings—friends, and team members for rallying behind him to renovate the space in three months. West took possession of the building on Feb. 1, and it’s been full speed ahead to transform the interior into a totally new concept.

“I am really excited for people to see it,” he says. “With turning it into a completely new concept, it needed a completely new facelift, and I really feel like we’ve done that.”

History on the Menu

The menu’s focus is fresh and local—nothing fried—and meats that will be smoked on-site. But beyond the food, West wanted to capture the history of Leelanau County. He worked with the Leelanau Historical Society to source décor, photos, and historical anecdotes for the interior design and menu.

“I gave them a complete walk through to explain the whole concept and they were just great,” West says of the Historical Society. “Locals will almost be like you’re walking through a history museum of Leelanau County.”

The restaurant’s TVs play a looped video of the history of Lake Leelanau and surrounding communities. It tells the story of the entire Lake from the Leland River to Suttons Bay, West says.

The historical society helped West reproduce 100 historical photos to hang on the walls. He found local treasures hiding in the basement, including the Thunderbird sign, an old register and cabinetry, newspapers, and vintage Ball jars.

“It almost felt like I was on American Pickers for a minute,” he says. “I walked back 50 years. It was unbelievable when I saw it [the sign]. It was another happy cry moment. I started looking at all the old newspapers and canned peaches and cherries from the 1960s.”

Lake Leelanau history is captured through the menu, too. Guests can scan a QR code that explains each menu item and the local connection to people and events.

The menu features pizza, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. There’s a local story or tie-in for every dish. One example: a Polish-themed sandwich in a nod to the Cedar Polka Fest. The walleye tacos and walleye pâté reflect the area’s walleye fishing. The pizzas are all named after ferry boats that operated on the lake.

And the Briskets and Gravy features smoked brisket on cornbread topped with gravy. West bought a custom smoker to use for events and catering and the menu items such as brisket, chicken wings, and smoked bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers.

Coming Soon

Locals will offer a “Locals to the Lake” to-go menu, where boaters can pull up to both docks at the Narrows and get food delivered directly to their boats. The restaurant will be open seven days a week year-round, from 11am to 11pm during peak summer season.

The business also has a retail store with Locals merch, snacks and drinks, and products from area farms, makers, and artisans. Outside, there’s space to enjoy the northern Michigan summer, listen to live music, play a game of cornhole, or host open houses, weddings, and other parties.

When we spoke, West was still working on a liquor license, but his goal is for people to come for the experience, the location, and the food—not the booze. He grew up watching the show Cheers, and he hopes his restaurant captures that feel, welcoming both locals and visitors in an atmosphere where everyone knows your name.

“I’m grateful for everybody involved in getting to this point and [who] helped in the last three months to get this place,” he says. “I can’t wait for everybody to see it and not just serve the locals, but the people that want to come in and see what it’s like to be a local.”

Find Locals Lake Leelanau at 112 E. Philip St. in Lake Leelanau. LocalsLL.com