(Photo : HERBERT P. OCZERET/APA/AFP via Getty Images)
After nearly a century in business, Berger's Family Restaurant, an iconic establishment in Bay County, will close its doors permanently on August 31.
Bruce Berger, the fourth-generation owner, made the announcement Tuesday, August 20, via a Facebook post, marking the end of a beloved local tradition.
Berger's Family Restaurant to Close After 96 Years
The decision to close comes as the restaurant, located on Westside Saginaw Road, has struggled with economic challenges. Berger cited rising costs of products, equipment, and labor as major factors contributing to the closure. The economic pressures that have impacted customers have similarly strained the business, making it increasingly difficult to operate, ABC News 12 reported.
Berger's Family Restaurant has been a fixture in the community since it opened as an ice cream parlor in 1928. Over the years, it became popular for its home-style meals, especially its Great Lakes perch dinners. The restaurant has served breakfast, lunch, and dinner at its current location since 2006, following a move from the intersection of Westside Saginaw and Three Mile roads.
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Family Urges to Focus on Legacy, Community Ties
The closure means that Berger's will not reach its 100th anniversary, a milestone that would have been celebrated in 2028. Despite the sadness surrounding the closure, Bruce Berger emphasized that the decision reflects the family's desire to honor the legacy of those who came before him.
"We felt this decision is one that cements the legacy and reputation of the Berger family in the community. Our family has made many great friends and relationships over the years. We would like to celebrate the good times now, rather than facing uncertain future," Berger stated.
According to MLive, the building that housed the restaurant has already been sold, with plans to transform it into an office space. Berger mentioned that this transition was seen as the best way to preserve the family's reputation and legacy. He also expressed gratitude for the support and friendships formed over the years with customers and the community.
As Berger's Family Restaurant prepares to serve its last meal, the community is left to reflect on the many memories created within its walls. The Berger family hopes to focus on celebrating the positive moments of their long history rather than dwelling on the closure.
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