Nothing pains Brady Cohen these days as much as watching social media light up with people telling tales of heading across the state line to enjoy a night of dining out in Indiana’s restaurants. Cohen, the General Manager of the Inn at Harbor Shores and that property’s popular Plank’s Tavern, is a master of researching best practices within his industry and works around the clock to find ways to continue to be creative in the bid to keep his employees on the payroll during a time of state restrictions that preclude his restaurant from dine-in service. 
So, Cohen is getting creative once again. He tells me that his team at the Inn at Harbor Shores and Plank’s Tavern reached out to the Berrien County Health Department for guidance on a unique new Private Dining Suite offer that will come to life this coming Saturday, the day after Christmas. Cohen inquired of the Health Department for help in determining what is permissible under the state’s Epidemic Orders, and learned that the manner in which he was constructing the plan was “not prohibited” according to the Health Department Communications Manager Gillian Conrad.
Conrad says, “We did not provide specific “approval” for this plan, but rather had a conversation with Brady when he asked if this was permissible under the Epidemic Orders.” She points out, “Indoor dining is still not allowed under the Epidemic Orders, given the risk for COVID-19 transmission.” However, the Inn at Harbor Shores’ plan allows a party who reserves a hotel room to essentially order room service, which is allowed.” Conrad cautions, “A restaurant cannot construct private rooms within their dining room to allow for ‘private’ dining at this time,” and adds, “We are incredibly empathetic to the plight of restaurant owners and workers during this incredibly difficult time. The last thing we want to see is our local businesses close or people go without a paycheck, but we do want to protect the public’s health by reducing environments where COVID can be spread easily. We encourage everyone to continue ordering takeout, buying gift cards, and even consider simply donating to your favorite local restaurant that may be struggling right now.”
Under the Harbor Shores plan, Cohen and his crew have converted 13 hotel rooms at the Inn into private dining suites that the public will be able to rent out for three hours at a time for an in-room private dining experience. Cohen says, “We have removed all of our beds from those suites and have now put in tables and chairs to accommodate a great evening out!”
Brady says, “Instead of our community going across the state line to dine out, this is our shot at allowing them to dine in a private setting.” Cohen says they will also be taking reservations for New Years Eve, with a special menu to come, but in the meantime they will serve their popular Plank’s menu with featured items. Plus, Plank’s full craft beer & cocktail list and wine menu will be available as well.
You can rent out one of the Inn’s dining suites for $50 for 3 hours to have an in-room private dining experience. The new offer will debut on Saturday the 26th and groups of 3 to 6 people will be allowed to reserve the opportunity.
Cohen says, “We encourage everyone to come check out what we have created and I assure you a great evening out!” Private Dining Suites will be bookable from Tuesday through Saturday nights from 5-to-8 pm by calling Plank’s at 269-408-9108.
Cohen has also enjoyed great success and has been getting great feedback driving popular demand for the Ultimate Date Night opportunity at the Inn at Harbor Shores Resort which has afforded guests the chance to stay in the hotel for just $69 per night, provided you spend at least $60 on food and beverage during your stay. Thanks to that success, they are extending that Ultimate Date Night option until further notice.
As the Inn continues to find innovative ways to pivot during the pandemic, the goal is to keep the talented staff employed and busy during an otherwise tough time in Michigan’s Great Southwest. Could even be a great last minute Christmas gift for those trying to find something unique and different.
