Patrons of the Lakehouse Restaurant & Bar on Lakeshore Drive in St. Joseph were surprised today with a social media post that The Lakehouse will be closing for several months. The restaurant, with its incredible location overlooking Lake Michigan, reopened under new ownership last July after being closed for more than 18 months. Now, it appears a new concept, or at least significant changes, may be on the way.
That’s our MoodyOnTheMarket.com conclusion after a careful reading of the Lakehouse closure announcement:
“As the seasons change, so do we! After an incredible 2024, we’ve decided to take a winter break to reflect, recharge, and refine. Your feedback and support have meant the world to us, and we want to come back stronger than ever to deliver a better dining experience.
We’ll be closing our doors for the winter months and look forward to reopening before summer with exciting new surprises for you to enjoy!
Thank you for being part of our journey. This isn’t a goodbye—it’s a promise to grow and improve for you, our cherished community.
Stay tuned for updates, and until we meet again, stay warm and take care!”
The Lakehouse is owned by Jay Patel, who also owns the adjacent Holiday Inn Express hotel, the Silver Beach Hotel downtown, and several other hotels along I-94 from Exit 23 to 29. Patel had leased the Lakehouse to experienced restaurant operators from Muncie, Indiana, the Akiti family. Mendim Akiti reopened the Lakehouse last 4th of July weekend, 2024.
Since then, it’s gotten mixed reviews on social media. Many positive comments about the food and service, but also some that claim the restaurant did not measure up to expectations, based on diners’ past experiences at the location.
The Lakehouse operated year-roujd for about eight years under previous owners. Prior to that it was a Mexican restaurant for several years and the highly successful ‘Mansion Grille’ prior to that.
MoodyOnTheMarket.com has reached out to Patel for comment or details on future plans.
