The operators of the Lakehouse Restaurant have decided to move their business–and most of their menu– to downtown St. Joseph.
In a barrage of social media posts over the Labor Day Weekend, the Lakehouse crew bid faarewell to their picturesque location at Hilltop and Lake Shore Drive. They unveiled their new location and name in the Silver Beach Hotel, 100Main Street downtown. They will adopt the name ‘Riviera Restaurant & Bar’, adopting signage that is already conveniently in place there from a short-lived earlier hotel bar at the location.
Social media suggests, and a call to The Riviera confirms, that most of the former Lakehouse menu (minus steaks) will be offered. That includes a focus on several chicken and seafood entrees and an array of sandwiches and appetizers. According to their posts, much of the Lakehouse staff from earlier this summer will be on hand at the new Riviera going forward.
A fire in the kitchen area at the Lakehouse forced the restaurants’s shutdown in early July. Patrons were eagerly awaiting word of a reopening date. Now, most of their menu favorites are available once again–but downtown, without the signature view of Lake Michigan sunsets that had made the Lakehouse and its predescessors a special spot for diners, whether locals or visitors.
There is no clear indication of what is happening with the Lakehouse building. Some have observed work being done on the kitchen area after the fire, but there was never an announcement of a timetable for completion. Now, with the operators moving downtown, the future of a restaurant in that location seems more in doubt.
The Lakehouse property, the adjacent Holiday Inn Express and the Silver Beach Hotel downtown are all controlled by local developer Jay Patel. Patel also is an owner of the Comfort Suites hotels at Exit 23 Stevensville and Exit 29, Benton Harbor. Patel has told MoodyOnTheMarket in the past that he is not a restaurant operator, so seeks to partner with experienced restauranteurs when an opportunity comes up.
To avoid confusion, rely on the Riviera Facebook page for specials and highlights. It appears Friday and Saturday late night DJ music is a part of the plan. Longtime SJ residents may remember dance parties in the SBH space 30+ years ago. The Riviera website still shows many pictures of the Lakehouse location and suggests it is still operating–which is incorrect.
The RIviera plans to be open seven days a week, 11 a.m.–Midnight.
The Riviera can be reached at 269-588-5100.
Former Lakehouse location at Hilltop & Lake Shore Drive, St. Joseph
