Iconic Grass Lake Restaurant, Missy’s Little Grass Shack, To Close After 25 Years
Wow. This wasn't what I expected when scrolling through social media today. A Grass Lake, Michigan institution that has stood for a quarter century is closing its doors forever. Melissa "Missy" Shelhart announced on Facebook's Grass Lake Forum that she'd decided to close up shop before the end of the year.
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While I knew Missy's Little Grass Shack was a great place to meet for lunch, this establishment has hosted countless gatherings, reunions, memorials, and all-out, fill-tilt celebrations. To say it will be missed is an understatement.
Missy's Little Grass Shack to Close—But It's Not All Bad News
The Facebook announcement is pretty straightforward:
I just wanted to let everybody know I am posting that December 7 will be the last day of 25 years of Missy‘s grass Shack we will be having a get together that evening after the parade if anybody would like to join us there is going to be a very cool T-shirt that everybody must have .That will be for sale that night. I wanna think everybody for 25 years of business and support and for letting me support the community. I’ve met a lot of people in those years and I’ve lost a lot of people in those years. Please stop by and join us for one last drink or just to say hey. By the way, this is Missy posting this thank you
Legions of people have commented with memories, words of congratulations, and recollections of first visits. You'll even see a few pictures shared with shots from "Shack Pack."
I called Missy to get the lowdown, and she shared some encouraging news about what the future holds for the current Missy's on East Michigan Avenue in Grass Lake and where you'll find the next version of the Grass Shack.
Missy purchased The Village Inn, about a mile and a half down the road from her current location, two years ago and has been operating both establishments. It wasn't until a former Grass Lake business owner reached out to her to ask if she'd be interested in selling that she even considered it.
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Oh, and that former business owner? It's Justin Klavon, of Klavon's Pizza fame in Mason and Jackson. Klavon's first venture in the world of pie was Justin's Tyme Pizza, with locations in Grass Lake, Clark Lake, and Napoleon. According to Missy, Klavon plans to open a pizza and pub establishment in what will formerly be Missy's Little Grass Shack after December 7, 2024.
I look forward to the next installment, Missy. I'm glad you're sticking around Grass Lake. The place wouldn't be the same without you.
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