Rebirth in Lake Leelanau

The Leelanau Enterprise reports that the village of Lake Leelanau is experiencing a new business boom:

The Lake Leelanau Renaissance, which began a couple years ago, is thriving today with two ventures open for business in the former Thunderbird store and another one planned to open in June.

And two more businesses — a wine tasting room and an Italian restaurant — are also preparing to open this spring.

…Trish’s Dish opened on the east side of the New Thunderbird building last October. And Northern Latitudes Distillery, in the middle of the building, is expected to open this summer.

Another example of the renaissance is the purchase of the former LeNaro Pub building by Jane Fortune and her partner Bob Hesse. Powell “Smitty” Smith of Venture Properties of Leland is guiding the remodeling of the former Powerhouse Tavern next to NJs Grocer.

Smith said the couple, based out of Indiana, have a residence near Leland. They have always wanted to own an Italian restaurant.

They plan on a soft opening of their new restaurant, Bella Fortuna North, in early June, with a grand opening at the end of the month.

In addition, David and Jane Albert of Leland will open the wine tasting room for their Boathouse Vineyards winery sometime this spring. The couple planted vineyards and have been producing wine from their Amore Road property for the last three years.

Read on at the Enterprise for details on these businesses and also how The Fish Hooked is capitalizing on the great fishing that Lake Leelanau offers!

Photo: The Narrows. by John Levanen