Yard & Lake was a fresh addition at the north end of the village of Northport back in August, with the retail side debuting first. An onsite restaurant/bier-and-cocktail garden is soon to follow, with plans for the property to include an Airstream-turned-bar which will be in service this summer, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for community and private events.

Shawn Santo and husband Kevin Borsay, also owners of Porcupine and Enjoy Michigan, bought the historic building at 215 Mill Street (pictured). Yard & Lake is a joint venture with their friends and business partners Dan McGowan and Anne St. Onge, of Detroit, who will be adding a music and event component to the gathering space. (McGowan also owns the music venue and events space The Crofoot in Pontiac.)

Now, McGowan tells the Leelanau Ticker, they are looking to fill a culinary niche in Northport. “Our team is looking for an energetic and creative restaurant partner.” 

He notes their goal is to keep the operation busy year-round, with lunch and dinner primarily. The space — originally a service station and then serving the community as various eateries in the more recent past — already contains a commercial kitchen.

“We have a multifaceted concept which involves retail, a family-friendly biergarten, food, and more,” he says. “We’re looking for someone dedicated to the goal of great food and hospitality. Something that is exciting but also approachable. We want families to feel comfortable and excited to be in our space.”

He notes that while the Yard & Lake team are not seeking someone to lease to, nor an employee, they are flexible with partnership arrangements. “We are open to different financial models. We want a partner. Someone with entrepreneurial zeal.” Those interested in a partnership can reach out to the Yard & Lake owners directly.

In addition to a new food-and-drink venue, he shares, “We plan on bringing an appropriate mix of entertainment and creative events to Yard & Lake. We’re excited to contribute to an already vibrant event landscape in Northport. Between Music in the Park, the Dog Parade, and Leelanau UnCaged, we know the community is supportive and excited for unique programing.”

McGowan and St. Onge decided to invest in Northport after years traveling to the region. “My wife and I have walked the Leelanau State Park trails every year we’ve been married. We stop at Barb’s and grab donuts and coffee, or brunch at the Tribune, which I maintain is the best breakfast spot in the state of Michigan.”

He adds, “Shawn and Kevin have two great stores in Northport already, Enjoy Michigan and Porcupine. They can’t say enough positive things about the community.”