They are Harbor Country's oldest business, and they're celebrating their 42nd year in business, but that doesn't mean they're standing still by any means. In fact, the Sobecki family is assuring that Skip's Restaurant & Catering will be on the move. Get ready to welcome The Prime Time Shuttle, exclusively from Skip's Restaurant & Catering in New Buffalo.
Skip's General Manager, Rhonda Sobecki calls her latest brainstorm, "A real game-changer for Skip's!" With the purchase of an 11-passenger transit shuttle last week from Campbell Ford & Lincoln in Niles, Skip's Restaurant & Catering will be offering free shuttle service from the City of New Buffalo and surrounding areas to the restaurant along Red Arrow Highway in New Buffalo Township, roughly three miles northeast of the city.
The Prime Time Shuttle, aptly named after the restaurant's signature prime rib specialties, is ready to roll immediately and will provide customers a free ride to the restaurant, as well as the ever-popular European Farmers Market which will open its 8th season on the grounds on Saturday, May 14th.
Rhonda tells me that the shuttle may have a little down time within the next couple of weeks when it receives its graphics install from ArtFx in Bridgman, which will leave nobody guessing as to what it is, however the shuttle is ready to roll right now.
Rhonda says, "We are beyond excited! This service allows customers to visit the restaurant and the farmers market with an option not to drive to our location, which is not typically within walking distance from the hotels, the marinas and other locations within the City of New Buffalo and surrounding areas." According to Sobecki, the restaurant regularly receives customer inquiries asking if they can be transported to the restaurant for dinner and the farmers market for shopping.
Rhonda contends that they are simply "Fulfilling a niche that was long overdue." She adds, "We have responded to our customers' needs and wants and we will now offer free rides to our establishment."
The restaurant crew recognizes that a large number of visitors and residents of Harbor Country just don't want to, or can't, drive sometimes. Sometimes it stems from their arrival to the area by boat with no form of ground transportation upon arrival. Other times it may simply be that they'd like to enjoy a glass or wine with dinner and don't want to drive. Sometimes, it might even be because they have too many in their party to fit into a single vehicle. Regardless, the reasons are enough that Skip's has elected to accommodate all those needs and more.
In addition to its role for shuttle service, the transit bus will also be used for Skip's catering, which is a large part of the restaurant's service agenda.
Rhonda says that this newest addition to Skip's offerings solidifies its commitment to the community and its needs. She says, "Eight years ago, we fulfilled another need in the community through creation and hosting of a farmers market on our property. This market provides farmers and small business owners an opportunity to make a living for their families."
Skip'sis a landmark business in Harbor Country, tabbed as #1 in the state of Michigan by the National Restaurant Association, for selection as the Michigan Restaurant Association's "Good Neighbor Award" winner for outstanding community service via the farmers market. Sobecki says, "It is the Association's highest award, according to the NRA."
Always advancing, the Sobecki's also opened up their own "Market Day Cafe" on Skip's patio last year, offering farmers market visitors an option of breakfast, coffee and cocktails. The Market Day Cafe is only open during farmers market hours. They also operate a lunch cafe with alfresco dining at the farmers market starting at 11am every Saturday and Sunday during market season.
Coming in the near future, the Prime Time Shuttle will employ a regular stop in New Buffalo at regular intervals for those who want to visit the farmers market. Hotel and marina pickups for dinner service can be scheduled immediately. If you'd like additional information on Skip's Prime Time Shuttle Service, simply call the restaurant at 269-469-3341.
