mwww.newbuffalotimes.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
The crowd gathers for the grand opening of Union Pier Social
G
Guests enjoy the dining room
9
A bar is located near the entrance
Union Pier Social welcomed in downtown Union Pier
uests need look no further than the name of one of Harbor Country’s newest eateries, Union Pier Social, to understand what co-owners Phil Marshallsay’s and Declan Stapleton’s goal was for opening it. “Our goal here was to bring back a place where people would gather and be sociable with each other, meet friends and have a good time,” Stapleton said. Stapleton and Marshallsay, along with Pamela Picka, the general manager, were present during the restaurant’s grand opening, which included a ribbon-cutting by the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce, Friday, Nov. 12. Creating an inviting atmosphere for diners to enjoy good food was at the forefront of Stapleton’s and Marshallsay’s minds when they fixed up the building (which was formerly Frankie’s). While the structure of the building remained intact, they tried to “modernize” its overall look to “freshen it up.” All summer, they spent time whitewashing
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
other places, so we and “hanging hope to be able to cut shiplap,” Stapleton that down,” he said. said. Kimberlee Wendt, “We brightened chamber executive it up a lot and kind director, said that of got a little beachy Union Pier Social vibe,” he said. arrived on the Overhead, diners scene shortly after will hear the notes the completion from variety of tunes of the Union intermingling with Pier/Red Arrow the chatter of other Highway Corridor diners. Stapleton Improvement said that they plan Project, which gave a on having live music facelift to the entire on a regular basis downtown area. (Marco Villarreal “We have all of these new was playing during Declan Stapleton (right) welcomes everyone to Union Pier businesses that are Friday’s opening). Social with Phil Marshallsay and Pamela Picka moving in behind In addition to the backdrop that giving the building the new streetscape n the summertime, guests a fresh look, that New Buffalo Township and can enjoy the newly Stapleton said that they’ve Chikaming Township brought expanded outdoor seating ensured the menu also has a to this neighborhood it can area, where they can sit fresh as well as unique twist only mean that these businesses and relax on the patio. to it. Items on the menu are going to thrive, you can see Stapleton said hopefully the include a variety of appetizers, it rolling in and so we’re really extra space will accommodate sandwiches and grinders, excited about it,” she said. diners throughout those busy fresh salads, and pizza. Away Noting that he and warmer months. from the expansive dining Marshallsay have been coming to “One of our goals is not to have room, guests can sip at artisan the area to vacation for years and you experience an hour and a half cocktails and Michigan and that he and his wife have been wait that you might experience Chicago craft beers at the bar living in the area since buying a house 12 years ago, Stapleton located by the entrance. or that we have experienced - in
I
Energy and persistence conquer all things. — Benjamin Franklin
said that he’s pleased to see the transformation that Union Pier has recently undergone. “We’re very happy see that happen when we came along… I think a good revitalization of the area will be good for the long term and hopefully, there will be lots of other businesses joining us in Union Pier,” he said.
U
nion Pier Social is located at 16036 Red Arrow Highway in Union Pier, Currently, the restaurant is closed Wednesday, although Stapleton said he hopes they’ll be open seven days a week once summer arrives. Hours of operation are 5 to 11 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (the kitchen closes at 9 p.m. but the bar stays open longer) and until midnight Friday and from noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday (the kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday). The restaurant may be open for lunch during the week beginning in the new year as well. For updates, visit www.unionpiersocial.com or Facebook or call 269-586-3778. Union Pier Social will be open the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
