WHITEHALL, MI - Gary's Restaurant has been a staple along the lakeshore for early birds to grab breakfast since 1971.
Owner Josh Chamberlin took over from his dad, Gary, over 15 years ago, so he could reopen with a liquor license at a new location with the help of his mom.
Ever since, the eatery has moved from its spot in Montague to 906 E Colby St. in Whitehall, and it hasn't stopped the stream of loyal customers.
"We have so many regular customers and they have become family," Chamberlin said. "Some come in twice, for breakfast and lunch every day. It's turned into the family spot."
Chamberlin told MLive that Gary's Restaurant is about treating customers like family and keeping the prices as low as possible so they can keep returning.
"It's just turned into a generational thing," he said. "The kids started coming in with their parents, and then they started coming in once they were adults and their kids came with them."
The all-time favorites off the menu are the stuffed hash browns, omelets and the all-American breakfast.
Every Monday through Friday from 7 to 8:30 a.m., an early bird special is offered where customers can choose from select breakfast options for $5.
"We always strive to have everything cooked and come out the same, no matter who is cooking it," Chamberlin said. "On the weekends, we try to catch the seasonal stuff, but the main menu is traditional American."
One of the weekend specials on the menu currently is the asparagus Benedict. It comes with a toasted English muffin, crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, Michigan asparagus, poached eggs and velvety hollandaise sauce.
Other popular dishes include the savory drunken omelet with biscuits and gravy on top, as well as the sweet cinnamon roll pancakes. Prices range from $8 to $14.
To top it off, those 21 and over can get mimosas and Bloody Mary drinks for $5-$8. Now that the weather is warming up, the 150-seat patio will be open.
"I think we're going to try to elevate the brunch a little more and get some different options, at least on the weekends," Chamberlin said.