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Andy Riemer and Sue DeMott are getting ready for the re-opening
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
GRANT TOWNSHIP — On Tuesday, Nov. 12, a Free Soil-area institution will open, new and improved and slightly re-branded. Doc’s on the River, formerly Doc’s Sauble River Inn, 9121 N. US 31, is now owned by Dr. Andy Riemer. Over the past several months, the 80-plus-year-old restaurant and bar has undergone some major updates inside and out.
Riemer purchased the establishment in March of this year from Rob Beck who remains part of the operation.
“Rob was amazing at creating an experience at Dock’s that brought people together,” Riemer said. “We are so pleased that he will be involved in helping us build upon his past success.”
Riemer has purchased several legacy restaurants in Mason County over the past several years beginning with the purchase and rebuilding of Stix Bar in Hamlin Township. Earlier this year he purchased and renovated The Chuck Wagon Pizza in Ludington. He also is in the process of building a new building in downtown Ludington that will become AndyS, a restaurant and bar, located on the site of the former Michael’s on the Avenue. In the near future he will be opening up the former Emerson Lake Inn in Branch Township under a new name, Fins Beach Club.
“My goal is to bring more people to Mason County and help boost our economy,” Riemer said. “I also want to offer great dining and entertainment experiences to the people of Mason County and surrounding areas.”
According to Sue DeMott, who works with Riemer on his business ventures, people from over 30 states visited Stix and Chuck Wagon last summer. “There are not many people like Andy who are willing to invest their money for the betterment of the community.”
Beck said he wanted to continue the legacy of Doc’s but did not have the resources.
“It was a surprise when Andy called and offered his assistance,” Beck said. “Not only did he keep Doc’s open, he provided me with the opportunity to be part of the team alongside him and Sue.”
Executive Chef Ryan Wierenga and Head Chef Ashley Tyndall in the updated kitchen.
Riemer said regular patrons of Doc’s will notice many of the traditional items on the menu, with some new offerings as well. They will also recognize a familiar face in the kitchen.
Head Chef Ashley Tyndall, who began working for former owner Derek “Doc” Campbell six years ago, is returning to lead up the kitchen, under the direction of Ryan Wierenga, executive chef for all of Riemer’s properties.
“We are excited to keep Ashley on board with us,” Riemer said. “She is keeping the Doc’s tradition of pub grub alive and adding some new selections as well.”
Doc’s on the River will also feature an outdoor dining area that overlooks the Big Sable River.
“The river had been hidden before by dilapidated cabins,” DeMott said. “We cleared that area up and built an outdoor dining area that will be used in warmer weather. Customers will be able to order from the food truck, similar to, but on a smaller scale, to the Biergarten at Stixs. We will also be offering live entertainment there as well.”
Doc’s current hours will be Monday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. with Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Follow Doc’s on the River on Facebook here.
Editor’s Note: There are often two different spellings of the river that flows near Doc’s on the River. The official name is Big Sable River. An unofficial spelling is “Sauble,” which is why the original name of the establishment was Sauble River Inn. Interestingly, upstream, in Lake County, one of the sources of the river is Sauble Lakes (a series of four adjoined lakes).
The outdoor space overlooks the Big Sable River.
The exterior has been repainted with many other updates.
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