‘Every picnic table, bench and grassy knoll’ is dining room for this picnic

The Outsider, 457 River St. in Manistee, will feature a 4,000-square-foot patio with seating for 80-90 people with views of the Manistee Fountain and Manistee River channel. The recreation-focused restaurant is scheduled to open during July 2023.Justine Lofton | [email protected]

MANISTEE, MI – A picnic-focused restaurant that will take advantage of "every picnic table, bench and grassy knoll" in the area is expected to open this summer in a Northern Michigan beach town.

The Outsider will open in July in downtown Manistee. The restaurant by a Grand Rapids investor aims to celebrate food and local recreation. It will include a huge map of every available picnic spot in the area, organizers said.

"The Outsider will bring food together with recreation in a way that promotes exploration of Manistee, catering to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a unique and high-quality dining experience," said owner Jon Faber, of Grand Rapids.

Located at 457 River St. with views of a large fountain and the Manistee River, The Outsider will feature counter service for a fast-casual experience. Onsite dining will include 80-90 seats on the 4,000-square-foot patio and indoor seating for 30-50 people. There will also be an indoor pinball arcade by Grand Rapids-based Pyramid Scheme.

The Outsider, 457 River St. in Manistee, will feature a 4,000-square-foot patio with seating for 80-90 people with views of the Manistee Fountain and Manistee River channel. The recreation-focused restaurant is scheduled to open during July 2023.Provided by The Outsider

However, Faber hopes customers will take their food and go on an adventure.

"We’ve outsourced our dining room to some of the most beautiful parks and waterfronts," he said. "We’ve got a huge map wall that shows every picnic table, bench, and grassy knoll in the area. We hope this puts great ideas in customers’ heads, like, ‘Hey, I think I should eat this salad while watching boats pass at that picnic table.’"

The Manistee Fountain is visible from the 4,000-square-foot patio at The Outsider, 457 River St. in Manistee. The recreation-focused restaurant is scheduled to open during July 2023.Justine Lofton | [email protected]

The menu will focus on burgers, wraps and salads with portable sides. Organic, non-GMO juice and fountain pop will be provided by Tractor Beverage Company. A meal will cost about $10-$16.

A small selection of picnic- and grill-focused grocery items will also be available.

All food-packaging will be biodegradable, and the company encourages customers to bring their own reusable bag or purchase one at the restaurant.

Faber decided to invest in Manistee after exploring the area's recreation opportunities – including Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, Big M Recreation Area and First Street Beach – as a visitor.

The Hampton Inn & Suites scheduled to open this summer across from First Street Beach "specifically gave us confidence in investing downtown," he said. "It's an exciting time in Manistee with opportunity overload."

RELATED: Lake Michigan beachfront hotel plans early summer opening, taking reservations

Day-to-day operation of The Outsider will be managed by Monarch Manistee. Job applications for the restaurant can be submitted to Monarch here.

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