Michigan Restaurant Closing After 30 Years of Local Service

It's so strange when a place you've been dining at for years closes. It's even more weighty when that place has been in the area for decades. Now, a beloved Michigan restaurant is closing its doors after more than 30 years in business. The good news is that it's already open under new ownership, and that ownership is local.

It seems like there are fewer and fewer local restaurants. Instead, a lot of chain restaurants are available these days. Not that I have anything against chain restaurants. I really do like chains, too, because you always know that the menu is going to be predictable and reliable. But, it's a different experience going to a local restaurant.

One restaurant that I grew up with, Reno's in Lansing, is closing. Reno's used to have three locations in Lansing: Reno's West, Reno's East and Reno's North. A few years ago, Reno's West closed, and One North opened in its place. Now, Reno's East is closing, and once again, One North is moving in. One North, by the way, is also local. They currently have locations in Lansing and Jackson.

In an interview with WILX, Reno’s East owner Jesse Stipcak talked about years of running the restaurant's East Lansing location. “I started here in 1996 as a part-time server when I was studying at Michigan State," Stipcak said, adding, "So many great adventures.” Stipcak also said she has been able to meet "so many wonderful people, lifelong friends, from staff members to our guests from the community" and that it's been a "wild ride."

Reno's East officially closed last Friday (July 28), and now, the new owners are Scott and Cathy Berman. WILX also spoke with One North's general manager and chef Jason Hoffman, who said "they're bringing hometown cooking, food made from scratch, and creative recipes to the new location." I actually love the One North location on the west side of Lansing, so I have high hopes for this new venture. Now, there's one remaining Reno's location in Lansing, and that's Reno's North. What restaurants do you miss? I'm sure the list is super long. Reach out to me with your picks, and I might include them in an upcoming story about restaurants in Michigan that we miss. I can think of so many restaurants that I wish would come back. It makes me hungry just thinking about it. Keep reading below for tips on what food to skip at restaurants, by the way.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.