Outpost Restaurant Gets New Look, New Name

The former French Outpost building, now called The Gate House and owned by Grand Hotel, is getting a face lift both inside and out, updated menus, and a new manager.

“The restaurant will provide an open and friendly atmosphere for those who don’t want to walk up the hill to the Grand,” said John Hulett, Grand Hotel general manager. “They still can enjoy something we offer at a reasonable price.”

Andrew Doud will manage the restaurant and Grand Hotel’s executive chef, Hans Burtscher, will oversee kitchen operations.

In preparation for its Friday, April 21, opening, the restaurant is getting a new look that includes fresh paint and new outside fixtures. The outside is being painted white with black trim and Jefferson blue with white stripes is being added to the peaks and gables. Mr. Hulett said the blue is a light blue and the building’s inside also offers new colors, including orange and Jefferson blue with white stripes.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” he said.

Television sets will show sporting events and live entertainment will be offered almost every night.

The bar, children’s, lunch, and dinner menus are being redone. Prices, said Mr. Hulett, will be similar to the French Outpost and each menu will offer selections different from other hotel restaurants.

The restaurant seats approximately 110 people inside and more than 180 on the outside deck and patio area.

“Right now, it’s a work in progress,” added Mr. Hulett.

The Gate House is the fourth restaurant Grand Hotel operates on the Island separate from the main building. The others are Woods at Stonecliffe, The Jockey Club at the Grand Stand, and the Tea Room at Fort Mackinac.