Union Pier Social welcomed in downtown Union Pier

Guests 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 and “hanging shiplap,” Stapleton said.

“We brightened it up a lot and kind of got a little beachy vibe,” he said.

Overhead, diners will hear the notes from variety of tunes intermingling with the chatter of other diners. Stapleton said that they plan on having live music on a regular basis (Marco Villarreal was playing during Friday’s opening).

In addition to giving the building a fresh look, Stapleton said that they’ve ensured the menu also has a fresh as well as unique twist to it. Items on the menu include a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and grinders, fresh salads, and pizza. Away from the expansive dining room, guests can sip at artisan cocktails and Michigan and Chicago craft beers at the bar located by the entrance. In the summertime, guests can enjoy the newly expanded outdoor seating area, where they can sit and relax on the patio. Stapleton said hopefully the extra space will accommodate diners throughout those busy warmer months.

“One of our goals is not to have you experience an hour and a half wait that you might experience - or that we have experienced - in other places, so we hope to be able to cut that down,” he said. Kimberlee Wendt, chamber executive director, said that Union Pier Social arrived on the scene shortly after the completion of the Union Pier/Red Arrow Highway Corridor Improvement Project, which gave a facelift to the entire downtown area. “We have all of these new businesses that are moving in behind the backdrop that the new streetscape that New Buffalo Township and Chikaming Township brought to this neighborhood - it can only mean that these businesses are going to thrive, you can see it rolling in and so we’re really excited about it,” she said.

Noting that he and Marshallsay have been coming to the area to vacation for years and that he and his wife have been living in the area since buying a house 12 years ago, Stapleton 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.

Union 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.

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Declan Stapleton (right) welcomes everyone to Union Pier Social with Phil Marshallsay and Pamela Picka