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The History of the 211 Family Restaurant at Black Lake
A Northern Michigan Tradition for Two Generations
The History of the 211 Family Restaurant at Black Lake
A Northern Michigan Tradition for Two Generations
Over the years, The 211 has experienced many changes and we would like to share some of the history with our patrons…
The 211 as we know it was constructed from logs in 1946 by Robert and Rose Douglas. Looking like a small log cabin it was known as the Douglas Inn. The Douglas’ operated an ice cream parlor from the building and also served some sandwiches. In 1950 The 211 Bar was given it’s name when Tony and Dorothy Kelner, along with Tony’s brother George and his wife Fran bought the bar. Tony and Dorothy bought George and Fran out and ran the small hometown restaurant until 1959, when they sold it to Hazel Smith. People still tell the stories about Hazel and her stacks of newspapers all over the bar. Hazel operated the bar serving mostly shots and beer. Chris Mero then purchased The 211 in 1971 and operated it as a bar and restaurant selling sandwiches and liquor. Some of you may remember the “211 hats” all over the ceiling. Long ago, someone had left a hat on the bar and Chris stapled it up for them to grab when they returned and that was the start of hundreds of hats covering the ceiling. John Tierney worked for Chris during this period, and after a couple of years decided he too would like to become a bar owner. John and his wife Helen bought the bar in 1976 and started to sell more food. They remodeled and added a small kitchen and sold pizzas and sandwiches. Helen cooked and was known for her Friday night fish fry. In 1997, The 211 underwent some more changes when John and Helen remodeled again and brought in Lee Ann Neelis as a partner. They also changed the name from the 211 Bar to The 211. The trio then decided to go more into the food business and started serving a full menu. Lee Ann has been working at The 211 since 1989 and has seen many changes over the years. Recognizing the The 211 now needed a kitchen manager, they brought in Lee Ann’s husband Mike. Mike had worked at various restaurants and had many years of experience. Mike and Lee Ann purchased the restaurant from John and Helen in 2004. The new owners, Randy and Sandi McLean, both natives of the area and long time customers of the 211, were given the opportunity to purchase the restaurant. Both business people with a love of great food, jumped at the opportunity. With a few cosmetic and menu changes, The 211 at Black Lake will remain the same, a fun place to take your family, meet your friends, and enjoy a great meal!
We look forward to seeing you! Randy, Sandi and Staff
The 211 as we know it was constructed from logs in 1946 by Robert and Rose Douglas. Looking like a small log cabin it was known as the Douglas Inn. The Douglas’ operated an ice cream parlor from the building and also served some sandwiches. In 1950 The 211 Bar was given it’s name when Tony and Dorothy Kelner, along with Tony’s brother George and his wife Fran bought the bar. Tony and Dorothy bought George and Fran out and ran the small hometown restaurant until 1959, when they sold it to Hazel Smith. People still tell the stories about Hazel and her stacks of newspapers all over the bar. Hazel operated the bar serving mostly shots and beer. Chris Mero then purchased The 211 in 1971 and operated it as a bar and restaurant selling sandwiches and liquor. Some of you may remember the “211 hats” all over the ceiling. Long ago, someone had left a hat on the bar and Chris stapled it up for them to grab when they returned and that was the start of hundreds of hats covering the ceiling. John Tierney worked for Chris during this period, and after a couple of years decided he too would like to become a bar owner. John and his wife Helen bought the bar in 1976 and started to sell more food. They remodeled and added a small kitchen and sold pizzas and sandwiches. Helen cooked and was known for her Friday night fish fry. In 1997, The 211 underwent some more changes when John and Helen remodeled again and brought in Lee Ann Neelis as a partner. They also changed the name from the 211 Bar to The 211. The trio then decided to go more into the food business and started serving a full menu. Lee Ann has been working at The 211 since 1989 and has seen many changes over the years. Recognizing the The 211 now needed a kitchen manager, they brought in Lee Ann’s husband Mike. Mike had worked at various restaurants and had many years of experience. Mike and Lee Ann purchased the restaurant from John and Helen in 2004. The new owners, Randy and Sandi McLean, both natives of the area and long time customers of the 211, were given the opportunity to purchase the restaurant. Both business people with a love of great food, jumped at the opportunity. With a few cosmetic and menu changes, The 211 at Black Lake will remain the same, a fun place to take your family, meet your friends, and enjoy a great meal!
We look forward to seeing you! Randy, Sandi and Staff
989 733-4104
